Photos 

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-05-24 02:58:00
Sgt. Alfredo Moya, an instructor with Non-Commissioned Officer Development Team, Command Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, instructs Bulgarian NCOs on the principles of leadership, May 15. The Non-Commissioned Officer Development Team is a mobile detachment of instructors tasked with mentoring the NCOs and officers of US partner nations in the fundamentals of leadership, to include: the roles of NCOs and officers, small-unit leadership, decision-making procedures, military professionalism and operational proficiency.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-05-24 00:20:00
Staff Sgt. Kyle Ketner, an instructor with Non-Commissioned Officer Development Team, Command Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, instructs Bulgarian NCOs in organizational physical training. The Non-Commissioned Officer Development Team is a mobile detachment of instructors tasked with mentoring the NCOs and officers of US partner nations in the fundamentals of leadership, to include: the roles of NCOs and officers, small-unit leadership, decision-making procedures, military professionalism and operational proficiency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-05-24 00:26:00
Staff Sgt. Kyle Ketner, an instructor with Non-Commissioned Officer Development Team, Command Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, instructs Bulgarian NCOs in organizational physical training, May 16. The Non-Commissioned Officer Development Team is a mobile detachment of instructors tasked with mentoring the NCOs and officers of US partner nations in the fundamentals of leadership, to include: the roles of NCOs and officers, small-unit leadership, decision-making procedures, military professionalism and operational proficiency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-05-24 07:38:00
Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Lassendrello, an instructor with Non-Commissioned Officer Development Team, Command Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, listens as Command Sgt. Maj. Ivelin Ivanov, the Bulgarian Joint Forces Command Sergeant Major, addresses the Marines prior to beginning a five-day NCO development course, May 15. The Non-Commissioned Officer Development Team is a mobile detachment of instructors tasked with mentoring the NCOs and officers of US partner nations in the fundamentals of leadership, to include: the roles of NCOs and officers, small-unit leadership, decision-making procedures, military professionalism and operational proficiency.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-05-24 00:21:00
Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Lassendrello, an instructor with Non-Commissioned Officer Development Team, Command Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, instructs Bulgarian NCOs in organizational physical training, May 16. The Non-Commissioned Officer Development Team is a mobile detachment of instructors tasked with mentoring the NCOs and officers of US partner nations in the fundamentals of leadership, to include: the roles of NCOs and officers, small-unit leadership, decision-making procedures, military professionalism and operational proficiency.

Unit: Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Afghanistan
Byline: Cpl. Jad Sleiman
Date: 2012-02-28 03:04:00
A force reconnaissance Marine goes over threat detection methods with a group of Ugandan soldiers, Feb. 28. Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12 sent a small team of Marines into Uganda, Feb. 3, to train Ugandan forces for the fight against al-Shabaab in Somalia and the hunt for Joseph Kony and the Lord’s resistance army.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-21 06:47:00
Romanian soldiers jump from a KC-130 Hercules aircraft during training in Campia Turzii, Romania, May 15. The aviation combat element of Black Sea Rotational Force 12 facilitated the training by supplying the aircraft and crew. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability and promote regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-21 06:39:00
A Romanian soldier jumps from a KC-130 Hercules aircraft during training in Campia Turzii, Romania, May 15. The aviation combat element of Black Sea Rotational Force 12 facilitated the training by supplying the aircraft and crew. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability and promote regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-21 04:57:00
Romanian soldiers jump from a KC-130 Hercules aircraft during training in Campia Turzii, Romania May 15. The aviation combat element of Black Sea Rotational Force 12 facilitated the training by supplying the aircraft and crew. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability and promote regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-21 04:57:00
Romanian soldiers jump from a KC-130 Hercules aircraft during training in Campia Turzii, Romania, May 15. The aviation combat element of Black Sea Rotational Force 12 facilitated the training by supplying the aircraft and crew. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability and promote regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-21 04:39:00
A Romanian soldier prepares to jump from a KC-130 Hercules aircraft during training in Campia Turzii, Romania, May 15. The aviation combat element of Black Sea Rotational Force 12 facilitated the training by supplying the aircraft and crew. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability and promote regional stability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-21 03:08:00
A Romanian soldier lands after jumping from a KC-130 Hercules aircraft during training in Campia Turzii, Romania, May 15. The aviation combat element of Black Sea Rotational Force 12 facilitated the training by supplying the aircraft and crew. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability and promote regional stability.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-21 02:58:00
Romanian soldiers jump from a KC-130 Hercules aircraft during training in Campia Turzii, Romania, May 15. The aviation combat element of Black Sea Rotational Force 12 facilitated the training by supplying the aircraft and crew. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability and promote regional stability.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 02:36:00
A wreath honoring all fallen servicemembers in WWII lies against a national monument after being escorted by Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 12, during a ceremony celebrating Victory Day, Romanian Independence Day and Europe Day in Iasi, Romania May 9. This was the first time American military servicemembers have observed or taken part in the Iasi ceremony. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 02:48:00
Capt. Adam Steele, ground combat element executive officer, Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is interviewed after a ceremony celebrating WWII Victory Day, Romanian Independence Day and Europe Day in Iasi, Romania May 9. This was the first time American military servicemembers have observed or taken part in the Iasi ceremony. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-09 02:44:00
Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 watch as the Romanian military marches off during a ceremony celebrating WWII Victory Day, Romanian Independence Day and Europe Day in Iasi, Romania May 9. This was the first time American military servicemembers have observed or taken part in the Iasi ceremony. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-09 02:33:00
Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 escort a wreath honoring all fallen servicemembers in WWII during a ceremony celebrating Victory Day, Romanian Independence Day and Europe Day in Iasi, Romania May 9. This was the first time American military servicemembers have observed or taken part in the Iasi ceremony. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 02:33:00
Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 escort a wreath honoring all fallen servicemembers in WWII during a ceremony celebrating Victory Day, Romanian Independence Day and Europe Day in Iasi, Romania, May 9. This was the first time American military servicemembers have observed or taken part in the Iasi ceremony. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 02:05:00
Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 stand at attention during a ceremony celebrating WWII Victory Day, Romanian Independence Day and Europe Day in Iasi, Romania, May 9. This was the first time American military personnel have observed or taken part in the Iasi ceremony. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 02:47:00
Sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 instruct a combat life savers course for Romanian soldiers during a training event in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-08 01:33:00
Lance Cpl. Adrian Delafuente, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 takes part in dismounted patrol training with Romanian soldiers in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 01:31:00
A Romanian soldier provides security for a mock casualty while during training in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 01:28:00
Lance Cpl. Adrian Delafuente, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 takes part in dismounted patrolling training with Romanian soldiers in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 01:18:00
Romanian soldiers explain their tactics to Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 during training in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 01:06:00
Romanian soldiers prepare for a dismounted patrolling event in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 23:42:00
Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 12 prepare for an opening ceremony with Romanian soldiers during training in Iasi, Romania May 8. The ten-day event included training led by Marine non-commisioned officers. The Black Sea Rotational Force 12 is a Special-Purpose MAGTF with crisis response capabilities deployed to the region to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 06:15:00
Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Poplaski, airframe mechanic, Air Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, inspects the tires of a KC-130 Hercules aircraft for damage and adequate air pressure after a flight here, May 3. Approximately 50 Marines and two KC-130 Hercules aircraft make up the ACE which is tasked with getting the Marines of BSRF and their training partners to their designated training locations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 06:06:00
A KC-130 Hercules aircraft taxies down the runway after a flight on May 3. Air Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12. Approximately 50 Marines and two KC-130 Hercules aircraft make up the ACE which is tasked with getting the Marines of BSRF and their training partners to their designated training locations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 06:02:00
Lance Cpl. Matthew E. Robertson, a powerline technician, Air Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, inspects the engine of a KC-130 Hercules aircraft after a flight on May 3. Approximately 50 Marines and two KC-130 Hercules aircraft make up the ACE which is tasked with getting the Marines of BSRF and their training partners to their designated training locations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 05:59:00
Marines with the Air Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12 inspect a KC-130 Hercules aircraft after a flight on May 3. Approximately 50 Marines and two KC-130 Hercules aircraft make up the ACE which is tasked with getting the Marines of BSRF and their training partners to their designated training locations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-05-17 05:39:00
Lance Cpl. Matthew E. Robertson, a powerline technician, Air Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, inspects the engine of a KC-130 Hercules aircraft after a flight on Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania May 3. Approximately 50 Marines and two KC-130 Hercules aircraft make up the ACE which is tasked with getting the Marines of BSRF and their training partners to their designated training locations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2012-05-11 17:31:00
Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa honor the sacrifices of American and French troops by studying the history of the First World War battle for Belleau Wood, France. The class was to educate the Marines on the historical facts that surround Belleau Wood as they prepare to honor this legacy by participating in a Memorial Day ceremony on the historic battlefield later this month with the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment from Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., the USMC Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Company from Rota, Spain, and elements of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe scheduled to attend.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-05-08 03:21:00
The Marines and sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force 12, pictured here, rescued a Romanian family of four including an infant from a car crash that left the road during inclement weather. The servicemembers were returning from a marathon in Transylvania when they came upon the accident that left the family trapped down a steep embankment. Group picture: Back row; (Petty Officer Third Class Girien Salazar), (Captain James Flood), (Sgt. Maj. Gary Jacobs), (Master Sgt. Todd Gunter), (Lieutenant Paul Evans), (Lieutenant Derek Owens), (First Sgt. Brian Porter). Front row; (Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Morgan), (Commander Jonathan Kuehne), (Chief Petty Officer Kathy Canady), (Staff Sgt. Darla Richardson), (Staff Sgt. Enid Browne), (Chief Warrant Officer 2 Adrian Weaver), (Gunnery Sgt. Juan Delacruz).

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2012-05-01 18:27:00
While Marine spouses Karen J. Riles and Jennifer J. Rosen refine a technique derived from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program for a Rape Prevention and Self Defense class, Cpl. Christopher A. Terrell, the assistant family readiness officer for Marine Forces Europe and Africa, helps guide them through the proper steps to improve their proficiency in case it ever needs to be used in a real-world situation. The class, provided by the MARFOREUR Family Readiness Office, taught techniques from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program that have been modified specifically for females, such as moves effective for height-and-weight differences, but also emphasized the importance of situational awareness, risk prevention and developing an offensive and protective mentality.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2012-05-01 18:13:00
Using a modified arm-bar technique derived from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, Jennifer J. Rosen, a Marine spouse, makes sure Cpl. Christopher A. Terrell, the assistant family readiness officer for Marine Forces Europe and Africa, has no chance to cause her any more harm while practicing a simulated assault during a Rape Prevention and Self Defense class at Marine Forces Europe headquarters. The class, provided by the MARFOREUR Family Readiness Office, taught techniques from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program that have been modified specifically for females, such as moves effective for height-and-weight differences, but also emphasized the importance of situational awareness, risk prevention and developing an offensive and protective mentality.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2012-05-01 17:16:00
Immediately after Cpl. Christopher A. Terrell, the assistant family readiness officer and an assistant course instructor, simulates an attack from behind, Karen J. Riles, a Marine spouse, throws him down to the ground using a modified take-down technique, derived from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, during a Rape Prevention and Self Defense class at the Marine Forces Europe headquarters building. The class, provided by the MARFOREUR Family Readiness Office, taught techniques from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program that have been modified specifically for females, such as moves effective for height-and-weight differences, but also emphasized the importance of situational awareness, risk prevention and developing an offensive and protective mentality.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2012-05-01 17:15:00
Using a modified take-down technique derived from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, Marine spouses Karen J. Riles and Jennifer J. Rosen, along with Master Sgt. James A. Hall, intelligence chief with Marine Forces Europe and certified rape-prevention instructor, and Kathy Nelson, Family Readiness Officer of Marine Forces Africa and MARFOREUR, practice their ability to deal with an oncoming attacker during a Rape Prevention and Self Defense class. The class, provided by the MARFOREUR Family Readiness Office, taught techniques from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program that have been modified specifically for females, such as moves effective for height-and-weight differences, but also emphasized the importance of situational awareness, risk prevention and developing an offensive and protective mentality.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner
Date: 2012-04-30 02:33:00
Cpl. Christopher Robert-trinidad, a landing support specialist and assistant non-lethal weapons instructor with Military Police Detachment, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, converses with a Bulgarian special forces soldier in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, April 16. The training was part of a three-day non-lethal weapons display which included kinetic as well as static displays of weapons, equipment and tactics.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-04-30 02:15:00
A Bulgarian special forces soldier prepares to fire a stinger ball grenade. The training was part of a three-day non-lethal weapons display which included kinetic as well as static displays of weapons, equipment and tactics.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-04-30 02:05:00
A Bulgarian military policeman shoots a non-lethal bean bag round as Cpl. Joel Sinclair, a non-lethal weapon's instructor and military policeman with the Military Police Detachment, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, checks his aim in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, April 16. The training was part of a three-day non-lethal weapons display which included kinetic as well as static displays of weapons, equipment and tactics.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-04-30 07:06:00
Bulgarian soldiers practice riot shield techniques taught to them by Marines from the Military Police Detachment, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, April 16. The training was part of a three-day non-lethal weapons display which included kinetic as well as static displays of weapons, equipment and tactics.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-22 04:07:00
Sgt. Jonathan Davis a reconnaissance Marine with the ground command element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, paints the face of a young boy from a local orphanage while volunteering in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed 250 children from three local orphanages.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-22 05:12:00
Gunnery Sgt. Zachary Richardson, the Ground Combat Element first sergeant, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, recieves a heartfelt thank you from an orphaned child while volunteering in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed 250 children from three local orphanages.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-22 02:30:00
Marines and sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force 12 gather to take a photo with children form the local orphanage in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed almost 250 children from three local orphanages.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-22 03:10:00
Marines with the ommand element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, prepare for a sack race with children from a local orphanage while volunteering in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed 250 children from three local orphanages.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-22 03:01:00
Children from a local orphanage gather to meet the Marines and sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force 12 in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed 250 children from three local orphanages.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-22 03:07:00
Marines, from Black Sea Rotational Force 12, encourage children from a local orphanage during an "egg race" while volunteering in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed 250 children from three local orphanages.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-22 02:50:00
Staff Sgt. Wade Wilson, a reconnaissance Marine with the ground combat element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, paints the face of a young girl from a local orphanage while volunteering in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed 250 children from three local orphanages.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-22 03:39:00
Lance Cpl. Travis Batzel, a small arms repairer from the command element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, directs a game of "tug-o-war" between children from a local orphanage while volunteering in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed 250 children from three local orphanages.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-22 02:36:00
Gunnery Sgt. Lee Nickel, a reconnaissance Marine with the command element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, greets children from a local orphanage while volunteering in Constanta, Romania, April 22. The Marines and sailors of BSRF 12 worked with Hands Across Romania to entertain and feed 250 children from three local orphanages.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2012-04-20 21:49:00
On his visit to Stuttgart, Germany, Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, motivates all the enlisted Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen during an all-hands brief at the Patch Barracks theater. The SEAC serves as the principle advisor to the Chairmen of the Secretary of Defense on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, health of the force, and joint development for enlisted service members.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2012-04-20 21:18:00
Showing his appreciation for his introduction to all the Marines, airmen, soldiers and sailors stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, the senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, presents a coin and pats the back of Cpl. Alex T. Robinson, an administrative noncommissioned officer with U.S. Marine Forces Europe from Tacoma, Washington, during an all-hands brief at the Patch Barracks theater. The SEAC serves as the principle advisor to the Chairmen of the Secretary of Defense on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, health of the force, and joint development for enlisted service members.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2012-04-20 22:20:00
Sergeant Major Bryan Battaglia, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, talks about the importance of total-force integration during an all-hands brief attended by all the Marines, airmen, soldiers and sailors stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. The SEAC serves as the principle advisor to the Chairmen of the Secretary of Defense on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, health of the force, and joint development for enlisted service members.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2012-04-20 22:37:00
After talking to all the Marines, airmen, soldiers and sailors stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, the senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green, the sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, walk out of the Patch Barracks theater after an all-hands brief. The SEAC serves as the principle advisor to the Chairmen of the Secretary of Defense on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, health of the force, and joint development for enlisted service members.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-07 03:51:00
Petty Officer Second Class Ibrahim Garfey, a hospital corpsman with Forward Resuscitative Surgical Suite/Shock Trauma Platoon, Black Sea Rotational Force, provides a pediatric examination to a local child in Corbu, Romania April 7. Marines and sailors of BSRF volunteered to help less fortunate families in rural Romania, outside of Mihail Kogalniceanu military base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-07 03:50:00
Capt. James Flood, a nurse anesthetist and officer in charge of the Forward Resuscitative Surgical Suite/Shock Trauma Platoon, Black Sea Rotational Force, provides a pediatric examination to a local child in Corbu, Romania April 7. Marines and sailors of BSRF volunteered to help less fortunate families in rural Romania, outside of Mihail Kogalniceanu military base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-07 03:50:00
Seaman George Rodriguez, a hospital corpsman with Forward Resuscitative Surgical Suite/Shock Trauma Platoon, Black Sea Rotational Force, provides a pediatric examination to a local child in Corbu, Romania April 7. Marines and sailors of BSRF volunteered to help less fortunate families in rural Romania, outside of Mihail Kogalniceanu military base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-07 02:34:00
Lance Cpl. Alec Fisher, a mortarman with Ground Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force, helps turn a jump rope for local children attending a family health initiative in Corbu, Romania April 7. Marines and sailors of BSRF volunteered to help less fortunate families in rural Romania, outside of Mihail Kogalniceanu military base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-07 02:32:00
Sgt. Juan Urbina, a rifleman with Ground Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force, hands out Easter candy to local children during a family health initiative in Corbu, Romania April 7. Marines and sailors of BSRF volunteered to help less fortunate families in rural Romania, outside of Mihail Kogalniceanu military base. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-04-04 03:36:00
Staff Sgt. Kyle Ketner, NCO Development Team, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, speaks about the importance of small unit leadership during a NCO-Development Seminar in Bucharest, Romania April 3-5. The seminar included senior officials from Ukraine, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Bosnia, Romania, Macedonia and the U.S. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-04-03 08:38:00
Attendees of the Non-Commisioned Officer Development Seminar pose for a group photo during the three-day seminar in Bucharest, Romania April 3. The seminar included senior officials from Ukraine, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Bosnia, Romania, Macedonia and the U.S.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-04-03 04:13:00
Sgt. Maj. Gary Jacobs, sergeant major of Black Sea Rotational Force 12, speaks about the Marine Corps Staff-NCO creed during a three-day NCO Development Seminar in Bucharest, Romania April 3. The seminar included senior officials from Ukraine, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Bosnia, Romania, Macedonia and the U.S. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-04-03 04:08:00
Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, sergeant major of Marine Corps Forces Europe, speaks about the mission of the NCO Development Team during a NCO-Development Seminar in Bucharest, Romania April 3-5. The seminar included senior officials from Ukraine, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Bosnia, Romania, Macedonia and the U.S. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Paul Zellner
Date: 2012-04-03 03:37:00
Gunnery Sgt. Joe Urias, team leader for the NCO development team, Black Sea Rotational Force 12, speaks about the difference in personal, unit and campaign awards during a NCO-Development Seminar in Bucharest, Romania April 3-5. The seminar included senior officials from Ukraine, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Bosnia, Romania, Macedonia and the U.S. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-03-12 03:11:00
Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Girien R. Salazar, a San Antonio native, stands in formation during the opening ceremony of Agile Spirit 12 on Vaziani Training Area, Georgia March 12. Salazar is a part of the Religious Ministry Team attached to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-06 12:13:00
Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Girien R. Salazar, a San Antonio native, plays guitar on the bus ride to the airport on Camp Pendleton, Calif. March 6. Salazar is a part of the Religious Ministry Team attached to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-24 11:44:00
MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, Romania - Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green, sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe/Africa, addresses Marines and sailors of the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force during a visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania March 24. Green encouraged the Marines to continue to work hard and congratulated the Marines for a job well done during Agile Spirit 12 in Georgia. The Marines of BSRF will continue their mission which includes training exercises with multiple nations throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucusus regions designed to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-24 11:39:00
Brig. Gen. Charles Chiarotti, deputy commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe/Africa, addresses Marines and sailors of the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force during a visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania March 24. Chiarotti congratulated the Marines for a job well done during Agile Spirit 12 in Georgia. The Marines will continue their mission which includes training exercises with multiple nations throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucusus regions designed to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-24 11:20:00
Lt. Gen. Dennis Hejlik, Marine Forces Europe Commander, addresses Marines and sailors of the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force during a visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania March 24. Hejlik congratulated the Marines for a job well done during Agile Spirit 12 in Georgia. The Marines will continue their mission which includes training exercises with multiple nations throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucusus regions designed to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-24 11:15:00
Lt. Gen. Dennis Hejlik, Marine Forces Europe Commander, addresses Marines and sailors of the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force during a visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania March 24. Hejlik congratulated the Marines for a job well done during Agile Spirit 12 in Georgia. The Marines will continue their mission which includes training exercises with multiple nations throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucusus regions designed to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-24 09:03:00
Lt. Gen. Dennis Hejlik, Marine Forces Europe Commander, converses with Maj. Brent McClellan, operations officer for Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force during a visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania March 24. Hejlik congratulated the Marines for a job well done during Agile Spirit 12 in Georgia. The Marines will continue their mission which includes training exercises with 19 nations planned throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucusus regions designed to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-21 02:12:00
Georgian soldiers of the 4th Infantry Brigade stand in formation as they are addressed by Lt. Col. Richard Coates, commanding officer of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force during the closing ceremony of Agile Spirit 12 on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, March 21. The combined exercise was deemed a success by senior officials as it enhanced interoperability and camaraderie between the Marine Corps and the Georgian Armed Forces. The 6-month deployment involves training exercises with 19 nations planned throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucusus regions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-21 02:10:00
Lt Col. Richard Coates, a native of Kansas City, Missouri and Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force commanding officer thanks the Georgian military for their hospitality during the closing ceremony of Agile Spirit 12 on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, March 18. The combined exercise was deemed a success by senior officials as it enhanced interoperability and camaraderie between the Marine Corps and the Georgian Armed Forces. The 6-month deployment involves training exercises with 19 nations planned throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucusus regions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-21 02:08:00
Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force stand in formation as they are addressed by the commanding officer of the Georgian Land Force’s 4th Infantry Brigade during the closing ceremony of Agile Spirit 12 on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, March 21. The combined exercise was deemed a success by senior officials as it enhanced interoperability and camaraderie between the Marine Corps and the Georgian Armed Forces. The 6-month deployment involves training exercises with 19 nations planned throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucusus regions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Will Price
Date: 2012-03-24 08:48:00
Georgian Lt. Col. Lasha Beridze, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, shows Lt. Gen. Dennis Hejlik, commanding general of U.S. Marine Forces Europe (MFE) and Brig. Gen. Chuck Chiarotti, deputy commander of MFE, a map of their current location aboard the Kristani Training Area, located just outside Tbilisi, Georgia, March 24. The U.S. and Georgian leaders met to speak with more than 200 Georgian Armed Forces soldiers from the 23rd Light Infantry Battalion about their upcoming mobilization to Afghanistan, as part of MFE's Georgian Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF).

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Will Price
Date: 2012-03-23 10:46:00
Lt. Gen. Dennis Hejlik, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Europe (MFE), along with Georgian Lt. Col. Lasha Beridze, Deputy Chief of Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, and U.S. Ambassador to Georgia John Bass, spoke with more than 200 Georgian Armed Forces soldiers from the 23rd Light Infantry Battalion about their upcoming mobilization to Afghanistan, as part of MFE's Georgian Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF), at the Kristani Training Area, located just outside Tbilisi, Georgia, March 24. The U.S. and Georgian leaders discussed the importance of interoperability in both combat and peacekeeping missions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2012-03-22 19:58:00
Lieutenant General Dennis J. Hejlik, commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, chats with Brig. Gen. Charles Chiarotti, deputy commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe/Africa, during his recent visit to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe headquarters aboard USAG Stuttgart. Hejlik is in the process of visiting multiple locations in the U.S. European Command area of operation to talk to Marines and observe training his Marines are conducting.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2012-03-22 19:54:00
Lieutenant General Dennis J. Hejlik, commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, greets MGySgt. Darby Carter, G-1 chief, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, during his recent visit to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe headquarters aboard USAG Stuttgart. Hejlik is in the process of visiting multiple locations in the U.S. European Command area of operation to talk to Marines and observe training his Marines are conducting.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2012-03-22 19:37:00
Lieutenant General Dennis J. Hejlik, commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, talks with Marines during his recent visit to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe headquarters aboard USAG Stuttgart. Hejlik is in the process of visiting multiple locations in the U.S. European Command area of operation to talk to Marines and observe training his Marines are conducting.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nathan Hauser
Date: 2012-03-18 06:26:00
Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia shakes hands with Lt Col. Richard Coates, a native of Kansas City, Missouri and commanding officer Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force after watching a combined training display of Georgian soldiers and United States Marines during Exercise Agile Spirit on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, March 18. The combined exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and build camaraderie between the Marine Corps and the Georgian Armed Forces while promoting regional stability. The 6-month deployment involves training exercises with 19 nations planned throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nathan Hauser
Date: 2012-03-18 06:19:00
Lt Col. Richard Coates, a native of Kansas City, Missouri and Special-Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force commanding officer and President Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia watch a combined training display of Georgian soldiers and United States Marines during Exercise Agile Spirit on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, March 18. The combined exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and build camaraderie between the Marine Corps and the Georgian Armed Forces while promoting regional stability. The 6-month deployment involves training exercises with 19 nations planned throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucusus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-13 03:51:00
Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force-12 and Georgian soldiers from the 4th Infantry Brigade participate in a range safety brief during Exercise Agile Spirit-12 on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, March 13.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-13 05:34:00
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ryan Boze, a corpsman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force-12 teaches a condensed combat lifesaver course to Georgian soldiers from the 4th Infantry Brigade during Exercise Agile Spirit-12 on Vazia

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-13 05:17:00
Georgian soldiers from the 4th Infantry Brigade practice marksmanship skills while Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force act as range coaches during Exercise Agile Spirit on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, Marc

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-13 05:12:00
Georgian soldiers from the 4th Infantry Brigade practice marksmanship skills while Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force act as range coaches during Exercise Agile Spirit on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-03-15 04:50:00
The sailors of Forward Resuscitative Surgical System and Shock Trauma Platoon, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force-12 move a simulated casualty to a field expedient operating room during exercise Agile Spirit-12.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-03-15 04:51:00
The sailors of Forward Resuscitative Surgical System and Shock Trauma Platoon, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force treat a simulated casualty during Operation Agile Spirit on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, March 12. The FRSS/STP naval medical officers and enlisted corpsman set up their mobile medical facilities in the former billeting of a Georgian Infantry Battalion. The FRSS/STP is capable of treating 18 major surgeries in 72 hours without resupply.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Staff Sgt. Nate Hauser
Date: 2012-03-15 04:47:00
The sailors of Forward Resuscitative Surgical System and Shock Trauma Platoon, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Black Sea Rotational Force-12 assess the wounds of a simulated casualty during Operation Agile Spirit-12.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-12 05:24:00
The commanding officers of the Black Sea Rotational Force and the 4th Infantry Brigade stand in front of their respective units during the opening ceremony of Operation Agile Spirit on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, March 12.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-12 05:27:00
Marines assigned to the Black Sea Rotational Force observe the national anthems of the United States of America and Georgia during the opening ceremony of Operation Agile Spirit on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, March 12. The combined operation is designed.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Paul D. Zellner II
Date: 2012-03-12 05:34:00
Lt. Col. Merab Kikabidze, director of the Joint Staff, Ministry of Defense, Georgian Armed Forces, addresses the Black Sea Rotational Force and soldiers from the 4th Infantry Brigade, Georgian Land Forces, during the opening ceremony of Operation Agile Spirit.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Alfredas Pliadas, Lithuanian MoD
Date: 2012-02-27 09:32:00
U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Scott Conway, a Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO planning officer for BALTOPS 12, explains the goals and expectations of the week-long planning conference to more than 120 military planners representing 13 nations at the Gen. Adolfas Ramanauskas Warfare Training Centre in Vilnius, Lithuania, Feb. 27. BALTOPS 12 (Baltic Operations) is a U.S.-led maritime and land-based exercise conducted throughout the Baltic Sea region that focuses on increasing interoperability of the participating nations. BALTOPS 12 is in the spirit of Partnership for Peace and several NATO assets are expected to participate.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Alfredas Pliadas, Lithuanian MoD
Date: 2012-02-27 09:45:00
U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Justin Hsu, U.S. Naval Forces Europe's lead planner for BALTOPS 12, fields questions concerning the goals and expectations of the week-long planning conference from one of more than 120 military planners representing 13 nations at the Gen. Adolfas Ramanauskas Warfare Training Centre in Vilnius, Lithuania, Feb. 27. BALTOPS 12 (Baltic Operations) is a U.S.-led maritime and land-based exercise conducted throughout the Baltic Sea region that focuses on increasing interoperability of the participating nations. BALTOPS 12 is in the spirit of Partnership for Peace and several NATO assets are expected to participate.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Alfredas Pliadas, Lithuanian MoD
Date: 2012-02-27 09:28:00
Lithuanian Capt. Tatjana Antipova, chief of Administration Group, explains the schedule of events to more than 120 military planners representing 13 nations at the the main planning conference for BALTOPS 12 at the Gen. Adolfas Ramanauskas Warfare Training Centre in Vilnius, Lithuania, Feb. 27. BALTOPS 12 (Baltic Operations) is a U.S.-led maritime and land-based exercise conducted throughout the Baltic Sea region that focuses on increasing interoperability of the participating nations. BALTOPS 12 is in the spirit of Partnership for Peace and several NATO assets are expected to participate.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Alfredas Pliadas, Lithuanian MoD
Date: 2012-02-27 08:22:00
Lithuanian Col. Vilmantas Tamosaitis, chief of Joint Headquarters, gives his opening remarks during the main planning conference for BALTOPS 12 at the Gen. Adolfas Ramanauskas Warfare Training Centre in Vilnius, Lithuania, Feb. 27. BALTOPS 12 (Baltic Operations) is a U.S.-led maritime and land-based exercise conducted throughout the Baltic Sea region that focuses on increasing interoperability of the participating nations. BALTOPS 12 is in the spirit of Partnership for Peace and several NATO assets are expected to participate. Tamosaitis is the lead organizer for Lithuania's role in BALTOPS 12.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 19:50:00
A Georgian soldier with Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion, practices first aid on a another soldier who was identified as wounded in action during a firefight with enemy insurgents at a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The Scout Platoon was conducting a reconnaissance mission for Alpha Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion, when they were ambushed by enemy insurgents about three kilometers into its reconnaissance mission.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 19:46:00
Two Georgian soldiers from Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area after the platoon engaged in a firefight with enemy insurgents while on a reconnaissance mission for a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 19:46:00
Georgian soldiers from Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area after the platoon engaged in a firefight with enemy insurgents while on a reconnaissance mission for a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 19:43:00
Two Georgian soldiers from Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area after the platoon engaged in a firefight with enemy insurgents while on a reconnaissance mission for a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 05:54:00
Two Georgian soldiers from the 23rd Light Infantry Battalion keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area after a car bomb detonates at the gates of the unit's Forward Operating Base (FOB) at a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 16.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 05:55:00
Two Georgian soldiers from the 23rd Light Infantry Battalion keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area after a car bomb detonates at the gates of the unit's Forward Operating Base (FOB) at a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 16.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 04:52:00
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Timothy Defoor, a platoon observer controller for 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 23rd Light Infantry Battalion goes over some of the observations he made of his platoon during the first day of the mission rehearsal exercise (MRE) at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany. The 23rd Georgian Light Infantry Battalion is preparing to support counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan as part of Georgia Deploymnet Program - International Security Assistance Force.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 04:41:00
U.S. Marine Capt. Salvatore DePaola, supporting arms liaison team (SALT) leader for the Georgian 23rd Light Infantry Battalion goes over some notes with a Georgian translator prior to speaking to some of the staff. DePaola is a long-time resident of Coventry, Connecticut who is currently deplyed to Germany supporting the Georgian soldiers at the mission rehearsal exercise.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 06:06:00
Two Georgian soldiers from the 23rd Light Infantry Battalion keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area after a car bomb detonates at the gates of the unit's Forward Operating Base (FOB) at a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 16.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 21:03:00
Georgian soldiers evacuate their wounded buddies from Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion after the platoon engaged in a firefight with enemy insurgents while on a reconnaissance mission for a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 20:43:00
U.S. Army Spc. Allan Styers, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment and a native of Port Huron, Michigan, and Pfc. Richard Parker, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment and a native of Toledo, Ohio,replicated opposing enemy forces during the Georgian 23rd Light Infantry Battalion's mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 20:43:00
U.S. Army Spc. Allan Styers, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment and a native of Port Huron, Michigan, replicated opposing enemy forces during the Georgian 23rd Light Infantry Battalion's mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 20:30:00
U.S. Army Pfc. Richard Parker, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment and a native of Toledo, Ohio, replicated opposing enemy forces during the Georgian 23rd Light Infantry Battalion's mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 20:25:00
A Georgian soldier from Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion searches for the enemy who is possibly hiding below while on a reconnaissance mission during a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 20:21:00
Georgian soldiers from Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion searches for the enemy who is possibly hiding below in a man-made cave while on a reconnaissance mission during a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 20:13:00
Two Georgian soldiers from Scout Platoon, Delta Co., 23rd Light Infantry Battalion keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area after the platoon engaged in a firefight with enemy insurgents while on a reconnaissance mission during a mission rehearsal exercise at Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 17. The MRE is the culminating event for the Republic of Georgia's 23rd Light Infantry Battalion prior to deploying to Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Georgia Deployment Program - International Security Assistance Force (GDP-ISAF). The total training exercise runs Feb. 1 - 24.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Alexis Mulero
Date: 2012-02-17 19:53:00
U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Kevin Kelly, an observer controller for the Georgian 23rd Light Infantry Battalion's mission rehearsal exercise, back briefs one of the leaders for Scout Platoon, Delta Co., after one of the firefights with enemy insurgents. Kelly is a ground intelligence officer at 2nd Marine Division in Camp Lejeune, N.C. He is a native of Potomac, Maryland and a graduate of College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: GySgt. Will Price
Date: 2012-02-02 04:32:00
More than 20 of command spouses from Marine Forces Europe and Africa, and U.S. European and U.S. African Commands, graduated the 1st "L.I.N.K.S. in Europe" seminar, Feb 1. Derived from the original LINKS class taught at each Marine Corps Installation, a group of LINKS Mentor spouses spent some time making the training useful to those living in Germany. Other topics covered were the unique command structures, living in a joint community, local resources, how to rotate back to the U.S., how to register to volunteer in a 'purple' community, and spouse employment.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: GySgt. Will Price
Date: 2012-02-01 21:53:00
Sergeant Christine Bloomfield, Marine Forces Europe and Africa career planner, delivers a class on "Staying Marine," to more than 20 spouses, during the 1st "L.I.N.K.S. in Europe" seminar aboard Panzer Kaserne, Feb 1. Derived from the original LINKS class taught at each Marine Corps Installation, a group of LINKS Mentor spouses spent some time making the training useful to those living in Germany. Other topics covered were the unique command structures, living in a joint community, local resources, how to rotate back to the U.S., how to register to volunteer in a 'purple' community, and spouse employment.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Courtesy Photo
Date: 2012-01-25 10:58:00
Sailors assigned to the USS Mount Whitney fire an M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun off the deck during a live fire portion of Austere Challenge, recently.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Courtesy Photo
Date: 2012-01-25 10:30:00
Brigadier General Charles Chiarotti, Deputy Commanding General for Marine Forces Europe/Africa, talked with sailors and toured the USS Mount Whitney during a recent trip to the United States to meet up with service members conducting Austere Challenge 2012.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Will Price
Date: 2012-01-11 14:07:00
Lieutenant Gen.'s John M. Paxton, Marine Forces Africa commanding general, and Dennis J. Hejlik, Marine Forces Europe commanding general, spoke to more than 50 Marine spouses from the general Stuttgart area during a Family Readiness town hall meeting at United States Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Panzer Kaserne Chapel, Jan. 11. “By educating our Marines, both officers and enlisted, we are going to have a better Marine Corps,” said Hejlik, who with 40 years of service, from a buck private to a 3-star general, spoke candidly and from the heart. “The better educated we are, the better we take care of our family.”

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Will Price
Date: 2012-01-11 13:33:00
Lieutenant Gen. John M. Paxton, Marine Forces Africa commanding general, speaks to more than 50 Marine spouses and 20 United States Army Garrison Stuttgart community leaders at a Family Readiness town hall meeting held at the Panzer Kaserne Chapel, Jan. 11. Paxton, who also heads the Family Readiness Committee for the Marine Corps talked to the history of the program, the tools available and the impact of financial restraints. He was joined by Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, Marine Forces Europe, commanding general

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Will Price
Date: 2012-01-11 13:28:00
Lieutenant Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, Marine Forces Europe commanding general, speaks to more than 50 Marine spouses and 20 United States Army Garrison Stuttgart community leaders at a Family Readiness town hall meeting held at the Panzer Kaserne Chapel, Jan. 11. Hejlik, spoke first to overall Marine Corps issues such as the downsizing of our active and reserve components and the importance of education. He was joined by Lt. Gen. John M. Paxton, Marine Forces Africa, commanding general

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. Will Price
Date: 2012-01-11 14:06:00
Lieutenant Gen. John M. Paxton and Dennis J. Hejlik spoke to more than 50 Marine spouses from the general Stuttgart area during a Family Readiness town hall meeting at United States Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Panzer Kaserne Chapel, Jan. 11. “By educating our Marines, both officers and enlisted, we are going to have a better Marine Corps,” said Hejlik, who with 40 years of service, from a buck private to a 3-star general, spoke candidly and from the heart. “The better educated we are, the better we take care of our family.”

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2012-01-06 19:42:00
Ambassador Barry B. White, U.S. Ambassador to Norway watches as a Norwegian officer cranks up a 7-ton to illustrate how any of the vehicles can be requested and driven right out of the cave, onto a plane, train or ship. The 7-ton is currently housed in the Frigard Cave, located on the Vaernes Garrison near Trondheim, Norway. The Ambassador was part of a tour comprised of service members from U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa. The trip was to give a first hand look at the capabilities of the Marine Corps Pre-positioning Program- Norway. The MCPP-N facility is made up of more than 900,000 sq. ft. of climate controlled storage with enough shelter, food and equipment to supply 13,000 Marines for up to 30 days.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2012-01-06 20:00:00
United States Ambassador to Norway, Ambassador Barry B. White listens to Norwegian Kaptein Gliberg explain how medical supplies are stored and maintained aboard Vaernes Garrison, during a recent trip to Norway, Jan 6, 2012. The Ambassador was participating in a tour comprised of service members from US European Command, US Africa Command, Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa. The tour was intended to inform the members of the local military logistics community of the capabilities of the Marine Corp Pre-positioning Program- Norway. “The Marine Corps, with the help of our Norwegian partners, has worked hard to ensure that the equipment stored in this facility is not a relic of the Cold War, but responds directly to today’s security and crisis response needs,” said Ambassador White.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2012-01-06 22:00:00
A contingent of Marines, soldiers, airmen and sailors from U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa stop in a hanger during a tour, Jan 6, 2012. The hanger was originally built by the Germans during World War II, is now part of the Marine Corps Pre-positioning Program- Norway and houses equipment ready to be dispatched quickly to anywhere in Europe or Africa to support the missions of U.S. forces or partner nations. The service members were visiting Vaernes Garrison near Trondheim, Norway to familiarize themselves with how the MCPP-N program works and how it can support future operations and exercises. “The Marine Corps, with the help of our Norwegian partners, has worked hard to ensure that the equipment stored in this facility is not a relic of the Cold War, but responds directly to today’s security and crisis response needs,” said Ambassador White.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2012-01-06 17:03:00
Logistics officers from U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa listen to a brief delivered by Navy Captain Jeffrey Coran, attaché assigned to US Embassy Oslo, Norway. The service members travelled to Norway to get a first-hand look at how the Marine Corps Pre-positioning Program-Norway operates and tour some parts of the facility.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2012-01-06 19:47:00
Lieutenant Col. Nathan Rush speaks with Ambassador Barry B. White, U.S. Ambassador to Norway, during a tour of the Frigard cave system, aboard Vaernes Garrison, near Trondheim, Norway, Jan 6. The tour was meant to familiarize military members from US European Command, US Africa Command, Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa with the Marine Corps Pre-positioning Program-Norway. The MCPP-N program is a logistic cave network comprised of seven locations totaling more than 900,000 sq. ft. of climate controlled storage, stocked with enough food, shelter and equipment to outfit 13,000 Marines for up to 30 days. “The Marine Corps, with the help of our Norwegian partners, has worked hard to ensure that the equipment stored in this facility is not a relic of the Cold War, but responds directly to today’s security and crisis response needs,” said Ambassador White.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2012-01-06 19:30:00
Lieutenant Col. Kenneth Oldham, logistics officer assigned to Marine Forces Europe, inspects a HUMVEE with two Norwegian officers during a tour of the Frigard, Norway cave system, Jan 6. Representatives from U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa flew to Norway to attend this tour and to familiarize themselves with the Marine Corps Pre-positioning Program-N and its capabilities to support operations and exercises in Europe and Africa.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2012-01-06 19:31:00
Rows of front loaders and 7-ton trucks sit, gassed up and ready to roll in one of the many corridors in the Frigard supply cave located on the Vaernes Garrison near Trondheim, Norway. This is one of seven caves that make up the Marine Corps Pre-positioning Program-Norway facility. All the caves total more than 900,000 sq. ft. of storage space, full of enough gear to outfit 13,000 Marines for up to 30 days.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-12-22 18:23:00
Corporal Joseph Lloyd, administrative clerk assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe reenlisted for four more years, by Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, during a recent trip to Stuttgart, Germany, en route to Afghanistan to spend Christmas with Marines and sailors deployed during the holiday season. Dunford stopped by every workspace at Marine Forces Europe and Africa headquarters to meet with Marines, sailors and civilians assigned there. Lloyd poses after his reenlistment with: L to R - Brig. Gen. Charles Chiarotti, MFE/MFA deputy commanding general, ACMC, Gen. Joseph Dunford, Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green, MFE/MFA Sergeant Major and Lt. Gen. Dennis Hejlik, MFE commanding general.

Unit: Marine Forces Command
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-12-22 18:22:00
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford administers the oath of enlistment to Cpl. Joseph Lloyd a administrative clerk, Marine Corps Forces, Europe. Dunford visited with Marines, sailors and civilians during a recent trip to Stuttgart, Germany, en route to Afghanistan to spend Christmas with Marines and sailors deployed during the holiday season.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-12-22 18:22:00
Corporal Joseph Lloyd, administrative clerk assigned to Marine Corps Forces Europe reenlisted for four more years, by Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, during a recent trip to Stuttgart, Germany, en route to Afghanistan to spend Christmas with Marines and sailors deployed during the holiday season. Dunford stopped by every workspace at Marine Forces Europe and Africa headquarters to meet with Marines, sailors and civilians assigned there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-12-22 18:19:00
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph F. Dunford shakes hands and greet Marines during his recent visit to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. The ACMC was on his way to Afghanistan to spend Christmas with Marines and sailors deployed during the holiday season. Dunford stopped by every workspace of MFE/MFA to chat with Marines, sailors and civilians assigned there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Jordan Eads
Date: 2011-12-16 14:52:00
Staff Sergeant Sean Denson, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe/Africa, adjutant, traveled more than 5 hours from his duty station at U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe to Belleau Wood, France to reenlist in the Marine Corps. Belleau Wood was the site of one of the Marine Corps fiercest battles of World War I. The battle ran from 6-26 June and the U.S. forces suffered 9,777 casualties, of which 1,811 were fatal. The number of German casualties is unknown, although some 1,600 troops were taken prisoner. More critically, the combined Chateau-Thierry/Belleau Wood action brought to an end the last major German offensive of the war.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Jordan Eads
Date: 2011-12-16 14:51:00
Staff Sergeant Sean Denson, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe/Africa, adjutant, traveled more than 5 hours from his duty station at U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe to Belleau Wood, France to reenlist in the Marine Corps. The reenlisting officer was CWO2 Jeremy Piasecki, MarForEur, administrative operations officer. The reenlistment certificate was read by Sgt. Christine Bloomfield, MarForEur/Af, career planner. Belleau Wood was the site of one of the Marine Corps fiercest battles of World War I. The battle raged from 6-26 June and the U.S. forces suffered 9,777 casualties, of which 1,811 were fatal. The number of German casualties is unknown, although some 1,600 troops were taken prisoner. More critically, the combined Chateau-Thierry/Belleau Wood action brought to an end the last major German offensive of the war.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date: 2011-11-14 20:35:00
Gunnery Sgt. Wesley Key, Marine Forces Europe Strategic Mobility Chief, guides a pallet of cold-weather gear onto a C-130 at the Vaernes International Airport in Norway, Nov. 14. With assistance from Norwegian soldiers with the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program in Norway, the C-130 would later be filled with 110 cold weather tents, space heaters and fuel cans to be flown to Erzurum, Turkey, to help provide shelter and warmth to more than 1,000 Turkish citizens left homeless by recent earthquakes. Key is from Springfield, Ky.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date: 2011-11-13 20:32:00
Sgt. Paul Evans, Marine Forces Europe Embarkation chief, works with Einar Tromsdal, the Tromsdal Cave inspector, to properly load 110 space heaters on board a tractor trailer, Nov. 13. Marines with MFE and Norwegian soldiers with the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program in Norway, would later load more than 28,000 pounds, comprised of 110 cold weather tents, space heaters and fuel cans to be flown to Erzurum, Turkey, to help provide shelter and warmth to more than 1,000 Turkish citizens left homeless by recent earthquakes. “When there is a catastrophe, we will do whatever it takes to help,” said Tromsdal, who has been running the cave since the inception of the MCPP-N program in 1988.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date: 2011-11-14 17:17:00
Sgt. Paul Evans, Marine Forces Europe Embarkation chief, measures the length of disaster relief gear at the Vaernes International Airport in Norway, Nov. 14. With assistance from Norwegian soldiers with the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program in Norway, the pallets would later be filled with 110 cold weather tents, space heaters and fuel cans to be flown to Erzurum, Turkey, via C-130, to help provide shelter and warmth to more than 1,000 Turkish citizens left homeless by recent earthquakes. “It is crucial that all the gear is loaded properly, and done so the first time,” said Evans, who resides from Bakersfield, Calif. “We don't want to overload the aircraft, or load it unbalanced, otherwise it will either leave late, or even worse, gear would have to be left behind.”

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date: 2011-11-14 16:59:00
Maj. Kjell Mathisen, Norwegian Defense Logistics Organization/Marine Expeditionary Brigade, executive officer, proudly wears his Marine Corps Prepositioning Program in Norway patch at the Vaernes International Airport, Nov. 14. Marines from MFE and Norwegian soldiers with MCPP-N, would later load more than 28,000 pounds, comprised of 110 cold weather tents, space heaters and fuel cans to be flown to Erzurum, Turkey, to help provide shelter and warmth to more than 1,000 Turkish citizens left homeless by recent earthquakes. “For this joint partnership to be effective, it is important for us to be like a family. While we are normally closed on the weekends, to help the Turkish, we pulled the trigger and everyone was on deck to help,” added Mathisen

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date: 2011-11-13 23:13:00
Neil Hagen, a HQMC Prepositioning analyst and CGI contractor, assists Andre Pierre Fredriksen, a Frigaard Cave motor transport specialist and mechanic in palletizing a set of 5 gallon fuel cans, Nov. 13. Marines with MFE and Norwegian soldiers with MCPP-N, would later load more than 28,000 pounds, comprised of 110 cold weather tents, space heaters and fuel cans to be flown to Erzurum, Turkey, to help provide shelter and warmth to more than 1,000 Turkish citizens left homeless by recent earthquakes. “I hope these tents and heaters bring some sort of relief to those affected by these earthquakes,” said Hagen, a retired Marine Corps master sergeant stationed in Oslo, Norway.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date: 2011-11-13 23:07:00
Maj. Tim Robertson, a Marine Forces Europe logistics and planning officer, reaches for a 5 gallon fuel can at the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program in Norway’s Frigaard Cave, Nov. 13. Marines with MFE and Norwegian soldiers with MCPP-N, would later load more than 28,000 pounds, comprised of 110 cold weather tents, space heaters and fuel cans to be flown to Erzurum, Turkey, to help provide shelter and warmth to more than 1,000 Turkish citizens left homeless by recent earthquakes. Robertson, is a native of Corcoran, Calif.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date: 2011-11-14 17:07:00
Maj. Kjell Mathisen, Norwegian Defense Logistics Organization/Marine Expeditionary Brigade, executive officer, and Gunnery Sgt. Wesley Key, MFE Strategic Mobility Chief, prepare netting to cover one of five U.S. Air Force pallets at the Vaernes International Airport in Norway, Nov. 14. Marines with MFE and Norwegian soldiers with the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program in Norway, would later load more than 28,000 pounds, comprised of 110 cold weather tents, space heaters and fuel cans to be flown to Erzurum, Turkey, to help provide shelter and warmth to more than 1,000 Turkish citizens left homeless by recent earthquakes

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Gunnery Sgt. William Price
Date: 2011-11-14 16:03:00
Sgt. Paul Evans, Marine Forces Europe Embarkation chief, releases the straps on U.S. Air Force pallets and netting at the Vaernes International Airport in Norway, Nov. 14. With assistance from Norwegian soldiers with the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program in Norway, the pallets would later be filled with 110 cold weather tents, space heaters and fuel cans to be flown to Erzurum, Turkey, via C-130, to help provide shelter and warmth to more than 1,000 Turkish citizens left homeless by recent earthquakes. Evans is from Bakersfield, Calif.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-12-14 19:48:00
Major Tim Robertson, a Marine Forces Europe planning and logistics officer, discusses plans for the upcoming Black Sea Rotational Force in March of 2012, with members of the Romanian and Bulgarian militaries and fellow Marines, aboard United States Army Garrison Stuttgart's Panzer Kaserne, Dec. 14. MFE hosted the final planning conference for BSRF-12, a 6-month training exercise, involving 19 nations, with 71 training events planned throughout the Black Sea, Balkan, and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-12-14 22:21:00
Brigadier General Charles Chiarotti, Marine Forces Europe, Deputy Commanding General, greets Bulgarian Col. Lavor Mateev, Chief of Joint Facilities & Training Department, Ministry of Defense, in his office at United States Army Garrison Stuttgart's Panzer Kaserne, Dec. 14. The two leaders discussed plans and expectations for the upcoming Black Sea Rotational Force operations in March of 2012. Currently, there are 19 nations involved in BSRF-12, with 71 training events planned throughout the Black Sea, Balkan, and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis Alston
Date: 2011-10-28 11:10:00
Marines assigned to Spanish Armada Infantería de Marine observe U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST), Company Europe conducting military operations on urban terrain, or MOUT, training during exercise Lisa Azul aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Oct. 29, 2011.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis Alston
Date: 2000-01-06 03:43:00
Marines assigned to Spanish Armada Infantería de Marine observe U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST), Company Europe conducting military operations on urban terrain, or MOUT, training during exercise Lisa Azul aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Oct. 29, 2011.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis Alston
Date: 2011-10-28 11:02:00
Marines assigned to Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST), Company Europe, conduct military operations on urban terrain, or MOUT, training during exercise Lisa Azul aboard Naval Station Rota, Spain, Oct. 29, 2011.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-10-31 22:09:00
A C-17 Globemaster assigned to the 62th Airlift Wing based out of Joint-Base Loius-McChord, Wash. taxis is so relief supplies for Eastern Turkey can be loaded and delivered to the thousands of people displaced by the 7.2 magnitude quake. Marines, Airmen and Norwegian soldiers work around the clock to load emergency equipment on to C-17 U.S. Air Force Globemaster III aircraft to ship to Eastern Turkey, in response to the 7.2 magnitude quake in that left thousands homeless. Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, along with airmen with 62nd Airlift Wing, and the Norwegian soldiers assembled 16 pallets loaded with 369 arctic tents, 369 space heaters and 369 fuel cans – totaling more than 91,000 lbs., Oct. 31. The gear they delivered was stored at the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway. MCPP-N provides a responsive source of equipment and supplies for Marine Corps operations, to include humanitarian assistance, in the European theatre.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-10-31 22:40:00
Airlift Wing, Loadmaster waits on the ramp of his C-17 Globemaster III while SRA Nicholas Hebert guides a forklift, driven by a Norwegian soldier assisting the loading of emergency relief supplies headed to Eastern Turkey. Marines, Airmen and Norwegian soldiers work around the clock to load emergency equipment on to C-17 U.S. Air Force Globemaster III aircraft to ship to Eastern Turkey, in response to the 7.2 magnitude quake in that left thousands homeless. Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, along with airmen with 62nd Airlift Wing based out of Joint-Base Louis-McChord, Wash., and the Norwegian soldiers assembled 16 pallets loaded with 369 arctic tents, 369 space heaters and 369 fuel cans – totaling more than 91,000 lbs., Oct. 31. The gear they delivered was stored at the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway. MCPP-N provides a responsive source of equipment and supplies for Marine Corps operations, to include humanitarian assistance, in the European theatre.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-10-31 20:56:00
Marines, airmen and Norwegian soldiers work around the clock to load emergency equipment on to C-17 U.S. Air Force Globemaster III aircraft to ship to Eastern Turkey, in response to the 7.2 magnitude quake in that left thousands homeless. Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, along with airmen with 62nd Airlift Wing based out of Joint-Base Louis-McChord, Wash., and the Norwegian soldiers assembled 16 pallets loaded with 369 arctic tents, 369 space heaters and 369 fuel cans – totaling more than 91,000 lbs. Nov. 1. The gear they delivered was stored at the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway. MCPP-N provides a responsive source of equipment and supplies for Marine Corps operations, to include humanitarian assistance, in the European theater.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-10-31 17:56:00
Marines, Airmen and Norwegian soldiers work around the clock to load emergency equipment on to C-17 U.S. Air Force Globemaster III aircraft to ship to Eastern Turkey, in response to the 7.2 magnitude quake in that left thousands homeless. Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, along with airmen with 62nd Airlift Wing based out of Joint-Base Louis-McChord, Wash., and the Norwegian soldiers assembled 16 pallets loaded with 369 arctic tents, 369 space heaters and 369 fuel cans – totaling more than 91,000 lbs., Nov. 1. The gear they delivered was stored at the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway. MCPP-N provides a responsive source of equipment and supplies for Marine Corps operations, to include humanitarian assistance, in the European theatre.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-10-31 22:44:00
Marines, Airmen and Norwegian soldiers work around the clock to load emergency equipment on to C-17 U.S. Air Force Globemaster III aircraft to ship to Eastern Turkey, in response to the 7.2 magnitude quake in that left thousands homeless. Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, along with airmen with 62nd Airlift Wing based out of Joint-Base Louis-McChord, Wash., and the Norwegian soldiers assembled 16 pallets loaded with 369 arctic tents, 369 space heaters and 369 fuel cans – totaling more than 91,000 lbs., Oct. 31. The gear they delivered was stored at the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway. MCPP-N provides a responsive source of equipment and supplies for Marine Corps operations, to include humanitarian assistance, in the European theatre.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-12 11:28:00
Dragging a simulated casualty, Petty Officer 3rd Class Steven A. Fox, hospital corpsman and Cullman, Ala., native, and Cpl. Scott D. Tynan, rifleman and Albuquerque, N.M., native, from Black Sea Rotational Force 11, run to safely evacuate him by vehicle during a counterinsurgency interoperability demonstration for BSRF-11’s closing ceremony, Sept. 12. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 officially marked the end of their deployment with a closing ceremony to commemorate their five -months deployment toin the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force has been operating in this region of Eastern Europe since April, participating in the security cooperation between American and regional partner nations to build military capacity, provide regional stability, and develop lasting partnerships with the allied countries, to include; Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Macedonia, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-12 09:59:00
U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers rush the parade field to demonstrate a counterinsurgency interoperability showcase for the closing ceremony of Black Sea Rotational Force 11’s deployment, Sept. 12. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 officially marked the end of their deployment with a closing ceremony to commemorate their five -months deployment to in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force has been operating in this region of Eastern Europe since April, participating in the security cooperation between American and regional partner nations to build military capacity, provide regional stability, and develop lasting partnerships with the allied countries, to include; Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Macedonia, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-12 11:28:00
In front of Romanian Marines, Lance Cpl. Nathan Gibson, a Chickamauga, Ga., native and rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, waits patiently to perform a counterinsurgency interoperability demonstration for the closing ceremony of BSRF-11’s deployment, Sept. 12. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 officially marked the end of their deployment with a closing ceremony to commemorate their five -months deployment toin the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force has been operating in this region of Eastern Europe since April, participating in the security cooperation between American and regional partner nations to build military capacity, provide regional stability, and develop lasting partnerships with the allied countries, to include; Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Macedonia, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-12 11:06:00
Standing in front of the platoon in a combined, multinational formation of U.S. Marines and Romanian Marines, soldiers, and sailors, Capt. Charles Nassar, officer-in-charge of the combat engineering detachment, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, and Sterling Heights, Mich., native, salutes Brig. Gen. Charles Chiarotti, deputy commander of Marine Forces Europe and Africa, along with Romanian Vice Adm. Aurel Popa, Chief of Navy Staff, during a traditional pass-and-review on Sept. 12. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 officially marked the end of their deployment with a closing ceremony to commemorate their five -months deployment to in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force has been operating in this region of Eastern Europe since April, participating in the security cooperation between American and regional partner nations to build military capacity, provide regional stability, and develop lasting partnerships with the allied countries, to include; Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Macedonia, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-12 11:03:00
At the beginning of Black Sea Rotational Force 11’s closing ceremony, Brig. Gen. Charles Chiarotti, deputy commander of Marine Forces Europe and Africa, along with Romanian Vice Adm. Aurel Popa, Chief of Navy Staff, salute the troops during a traditional pass-and-review. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 officially marked the end end of their deployment with a closing ceremony to commemorate their five- months deployment to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force has been operating in this region of Eastern Europe since April, participating in the security cooperation between American and regional partner nations to build military capacity, provide regional stability, and develop lasting partnerships with the allied countries, to include; Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Macedonia, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-12 11:19:00
Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 officially marked the end of their deployment with a closing ceremony to commemorate their five- months deployment to in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force has been operating in this region of Eastern Europe since April, participating in the security cooperation between American and regional partner nations to build military capacity, provide regional stability, and develop lasting partnerships with the allied countries, to include; Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Macedonia, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Greece, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-09 10:16:00
Capt. Charles A. Nassar, of Sterling Heights, Mich., officer-in-charge of the combat engineer detachment, and Lt. Col. Nelson S. Cardella, commanding officer of Black Sea Rotational Force 11, join Romanian Navy Rear Adm. Alexandru Mirsu, fleet commander, and Romanian Navy Capt. Cristinel Uce, Romanian director, BSRF-11, in cutting the ribbon for the new helipad at the Constanta County Hospital on Sept. 9. Combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 contracted with Romanian excavation specialist to then build a helipad for Constanta County Hospital that will alleviate flight time for patients to the emergency room and help to save more lives by getting casualties prompt and rapid medical care. The landing pad was part of the engineer’s last community relations project for the country before they depart back to the states this month.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Courtesy of Gelu Stramboaia
Date: 2011-09-09 10:04:00
Dr. Dan Capatina, director of Constanta County Hospital, address the visitors, media and the multinational formation of U.S. Marines and Romanian Army, Navy and Marines on Sept. 9 at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed helipad. Combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 contracted with Romanian excavation specialist to then build a helipad for Constanta County Hospital that will alleviate flight time for patients to the emergency room and help to save more lives by getting casualties prompt and rapid medical care. The landing pad was part of the engineer’s last community relations project for the country before they depart back to the states this month.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Courtesy of Gelu Stramboaia
Date: 2011-09-09 09:41:00
U.S. Marines and Romanian military prepare for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new helipad at the Constanta County Hospital on Sept. 9. Combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 contracted with Romanian excavation specialist to then build a helipad for Constanta County Hospital that will alleviate flight time for patients to the emergency room and help to save more lives by getting casualties prompt and rapid medical care. The landing pad was part of the engineer’s last community relations project for the country before they depart back to the states this month.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-01 09:20:00
During a combat-marksmanship range, Ukrainian soldiers perform a pivot-drill to engage their targets at 15-meters. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 returned to Babadag Training Area with Ukrainian soldiers for their last cycle of counterinsurgency training for the deployment. Since April, the Ground Combat Element has worked with seven nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions in to build military capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations ranging from: convoy and patrol operations; improvised-explosive device (IED) awareness; cordon, search and seizure; Military Operations in Urban Environments (MOUT); Marine Corps Martial Arts; and combat marksmanship while building enduring partnerships with the partner and allied militaries.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-01 09:26:00
As Ukrainian soldiers shoot-on-the-move to close-in and engage their targets, Lance Cpl. Colin G. Smith , a Sacramento, Calif., native and rifeman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, guides the soldiers to perform the maneuver safely. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 returned to Babadag Training Area with Ukrainian soldiers for their last cycle of counterinsurgency training for the deployment. Since April, the Ground Combat Element has worked with seven nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions in to build military capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations ranging from: convoy and patrol operations; improvised-explosive device (IED) awareness; cordon, search and seizure; Military Operations in Urban Environments (MOUT); Marine Corps Martial Arts; and combat marksmanship while building enduring partnerships with the partner and allied militaries.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-31 14:19:00
After a simulated ambush during a training patrol, a squad of Ukrainian soldiers gets cover and try to identify the threat. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 returned to Babadag Training Area with Ukrainian soldiers for their last cycle of counterinsurgency training for the deployment. Since April, the Ground Combat Element has worked with seven nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions in to build military capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations ranging from: convoy and patrol operations; improvised-explosive device (IED) awareness; cordon, search and seizure; Military Operations in Urban Environments (MOUT); Marine Corps Martial Arts; and combat marksmanship while building enduring partnerships with the partner and allied militaries.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-31 15:15:00
Getting ready to simulate an ambush on a Ukrainian patrol, Cpl. Kristopher L. Acker , an Amarillo, Texas, native and rifleman roleplaying as an insurgent, with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, hides in the brush until the most opportune moment to strike. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 returned to Babadag Training Area with Ukrainian soldiers for their last cycle of counterinsurgency training for the deployment. Since April, the Ground Combat Element has worked with seven nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions in to build military capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations ranging from: convoy and patrol operations; improvised-explosive device (IED) awareness; cordon, search and seizure; Military Operations in Urban Environments (MOUT); Marine Corps Martial Arts; and combat marksmanship while building enduring partnerships with the partner and allied militaries.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-31 13:52:00
After identifying a simulated sniper threat, a Ukrainian patrol maneuvers to close-in and neutralize the threat. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 returned to Babadag Training Area with Ukrainian soldiers for their last cycle of counterinsurgency training for the deployment. Since April, the Ground Combat Element has worked with seven nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions in to build military capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations ranging from: convoy and patrol operations; improvised-explosive device (IED) awareness; cordon, search and seizure; Military Operations in Urban Environments (MOUT); Marine Corps Martial Arts; and combat marksmanship while building enduring partnerships with partner and allied militaries.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-31 13:55:00
A Ukrainian soldier rushes toward the urban combat area to neutralize a simulated sniper threat while on a training patrol. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 returned to Babadag Training Area with Ukrainian soldiers for their last cycle of counterinsurgency training for the deployment. Since April, the Ground Combat Element has worked with seven nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions in to build military capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations ranging from: convoy and patrol operations; improvised-explosive device (IED) awareness; cordon, search and seizure; Military Operations in Urban Environments (MOUT); Marine Corps Martial Arts; and combat marksmanship while building enduring partnerships with the partner and allied militaries.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-31 14:26:00
After a simulated ambush from the trees, a Ukrainian fire team secures the perimeter as the rest of the patrol looks for further potential threats. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 returned to Babadag Training Area with Ukrainian soldiers for their last cycle of counterinsurgency training for the deployment. Since April, the Ground Combat Element has worked with seven nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions in to build military capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations ranging from: convoy and patrol operations; improvised-explosive device (IED) awareness; cordon, search and seizure; Military Operations in Urban Environments (MOUT); Marine Corps Martial Arts; and combat marksmanship while building enduring partnerships with the partner and allied militaries.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-29 10:30:00
Under the shadows of Constanta County Hospital, combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, work rapidly to pour, spread and screed the concrete flowing from a 20-foot high concrete truck to finish the ramp leading from the emergency room to the newly-constructed helipad. Combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 contracted with Romanian excavation specialist to then buildt a helipad for Constanta County Hospital that will alleviate flight time for patients to the emergency room and will allow helicopter evacuation of critically-wounded patients to the trauma center at the hospital -- the only one within approximately 260 kilometers -- and potentially save lives. help to save more lives by getting casualties prompt and rapid medical care. The landing pad was part of the engineer’s last community relations project for the country before they are slated to depart back to the states this month.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-29 10:20:00
Operating the concrete tube, Lance Cpl. Angelo Moriello , combat engineer and native of Naugatuck, Conn., Black Sea Rotational Force 11, ensure the concrete is poured as evenly as possible throughout the framing that will turn into a new helipad for Constanta County Hospital once the construction is complete. Combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 contracted with Romanian excavation specialist to then buildt a helipad for Constanta County Hospital that will alleviate flight time for patients to the emergency room and will allow helicopter evacuation of critically-wounded patients to the trauma center at the hospital -- the only one within approximately 260 kilometers -- and potentially save lives. help to save more lives by getting casualties prompt and rapid medical care. The landing pad was part of the engineer’s last community relations project for the country before they are slated to depart back to the states this month.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-29 09:41:00
Lance Cpl. Bret Harden and Lance Cpl. Chad M. Nicks , natives of McComb, Ohio, and Milan, Mich., and combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, install support for the frame that will hold all of the concrete for a newly-constructed helipad at Constanta County Hospital. Combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 contracted with Romanian excavation specialist to then buildt a helipad for Constanta County Hospital that will alleviate flight time for patients to the emergency room and will allow helicopter evacuation of critically-wounded patients to the trauma center at the hospital -- the only one within approximately 260 kilometers -- and potentially save lives. help to save more lives by getting casualties prompt and rapid medical care. The landing pad was part of the engineer’s last community relations project for the country before they are slated to depart back to the states this month.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-29 08:34:00
Cpl. Kyle A. Dugas, Cpl. John F. Fitzpatrick and Lance Cpl. Josh Dufrane, natives of Plainfield, Conn., Medford, Mass., and Chicopee, Mass., all combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, cut last-minute pieces before the concrete for a new helipad is poured for the downtown Constanta County Hospital. Combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 contracted with Romanian excavation specialist to then buildt a helipad for Constanta County Hospital that will alleviate flight time for patients to the emergency room and will allow helicopter evacuation of critically-wounded patients to the trauma center at the hospital -- the only one within approximately 260 kilometers -- and potentially save lives. help to save more lives by getting casualties prompt and rapid medical care. The landing pad was part of the engineer’s last community relations project for the country before they are slated to depart back to the states this month.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-29 09:17:00
After the freshly-poured concrete is spread, Sgt. Matthew A. Houle , Wakefield, Mass., native and chief for the combat engineers, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, uses a “bull float” to put a smooth finish on what will be a new helipad for Constanta County Hospital. Combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 contracted with Romanian excavation specialist to then buildt a helipad for Constanta County Hospital that will alleviate flight time for patients to the emergency room and will allow helicopter evacuation of critically-wounded patients to the trauma center at the hospital -- the only one within approximately 260 kilometers -- and potentially save lives. help to save more lives by getting casualties prompt and rapid medical care. The landing pad was part of the engineer’s last community relations project for the country before they are slated to depart back to the states this month.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-29 08:58:00
Working rapidly as a team, combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, spread and screed the flowing concrete being poured for a new helipad for Constanta County Hospital. Combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 contracted with Romanian excavation specialist to then buildt a helipad for Constanta County Hospital that will alleviate flight time for patients to the emergency room and will allow helicopter evacuation of critically-wounded patients to the trauma center at the hospital -- the only one within approximately 260 kilometers -- and potentially save lives. help to save more lives by getting casualties prompt and rapid medical care. The landing pad was part of the engineer’s last community relations project for the country before they are slated to depart back to the states this month. Marines and their hometowns from left to right; Lance Cpl. Josh Dufrane, Chicopee, Mass., Cpl. Kyle A. Dugas, Plainfield, Conn., Lance Cpl. Angelo Moriello, Naugatuck., Conn., Cpl. Joshua M. DeWitt, Lake Orion, Mich., and Cpl. John F. Fitzpatrick, Medford, Mass.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Courtesy Photograph
Date: 2011-09-01 15:59:00
Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commander of Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa, visited the Romanian U.S. Embassy and U.S. Ambassador to Romania Mr. Mark Gitenstein during his visit to Constanta during the weekend.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-03 12:02:00
Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commander of Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa, visited Marines from the Black Sea Rotational Force 11 in Romania this weekend. The Special Purpose Air-Ground Task Force has been deployed to the Black Sea, Balkans and Caucasus regions since April and are due to return to the states within the upcoming month. BSRF-11 is a rotational deployment of Marines to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to work with partner and allied nations to help build their military capacity, promote stability throughout the region, and build enduring partnerships with 13 nations throughout Eastern Europe.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-03 08:30:00
Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik and Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, the commander and sergeant major of Marine Forces Europe and Africa, arrive at a helipad constructed by combat engineers from Black Sea Rotational Force 11. The Special Purpose Air-Ground Task Force has been deployed to the Black Sea, Balkans and Caucasus regions since April and are due to return to the states within the upcoming month. BSRF-11 is a rotational deployment of Marines to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to work with partner and allied nations to help build their military capacity, promote stability throughout the region, and build enduring partnerships with 13 nations throughout Eastern Europe.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-09-03 08:39:00
Visiting the newly-constructed helipad at the Costanta Hospital, Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commander of Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa, gets his first glimpse of the final community relations project completed by combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11. The Special Purpose Air-Ground Task Force has been deployed to the Black Sea, Balkans and Caucasus regions since April and are due to return to the states within the upcoming month. BSRF-11 is a rotational deployment of Marines to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to work with partner and allied nations to help build their military capacity, promote stability throughout the region, and build enduring partnerships with 13 nations throughout Eastern Europe.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-19 09:08:00
Thirty-one Marine non-commissioned officers made up the inaugural class of Black Sea Rotational Force 11’s Corporal’s Course. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 conducted a Corporal’s Course for 31 Marines to instill the combat skills, military knowledge, core values and mindset necessary to lead Marines and accomplish any mission. The recently-graduated class marks the first time a Marine Corps Professional Military Education course has been conducted by the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-19 09:00:00
The non-commissioned officers of the Black Sea Rotational Force 11 Corporal’s Course march in an “oblique,” a close-order drill movement, as Cpl. Ryan West, a rifleman and Amarillo, Texas, native, BSRF-11, practices leading a platoon formation. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 conducted a Corporal’s Course for 31 Marines to instill the combat skills, military knowledge, core values and mindset necessary to lead Marines and accomplish any mission. The recently-graduated class marks the first time a Marine Corps Professional Military Education course has been conducted by the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-25 17:16:00
In front of 3rd Squad with the Black Sea Rotational Force 11 Corporal’s Course guidon, Cpl. Kristopher Acker, an Amarillo, Texas, native and rifleman with BSRF-11, leads the rest of the detail to the classroom. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 conducted a Corporal’s Course for 31 Marines to instill the combat skills, military knowledge, core values and mindset necessary to lead Marines and accomplish any mission. The recently-graduated class marks the first time a Marine Corps Professional Military Education course has been conducted by the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-12 09:09:00
During the final capabilities exercise in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, an Azerbaijan fire team of radio operators simulate tactical movements through the similuated “hostile terrain.” Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-10 12:45:00
Cpl. Stephen A. Hart, rifleman and Lubbock, Texas, native, demonstrates a room-clearing technique to safely secure a room from danger to Azerbaijani soldiers during Cordon, Search and Seizure training. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-10 13:47:00
Demonstrating the Marine Corps methods of entering potentially hostile buildings and “clearing” a room to secure it from enemy threat, Lance Cpl. Matthew Irish, Birmingham, Ala., native and Cpl. Stephen A. Hart, Lubbock, Texas, native, both riflemen with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, perform their required actions in slow-motion in front of Azerbaijani soldiers. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-09 13:48:00
Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-09 15:07:00
Sgt. Rodney Pierce, Birmingham, Ala., native and rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, role-plays as a “village elder” during convoy operations training with soldiers from Azerbaijan to test their treatment of local populations and ability to identify potential dangers and innocent civilians, similar to situations that may arise in counterinsurgency operations in hostile environments. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-08 14:09:00
Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-04 11:56:00
On his way to the firing line, an Azerbaijani soldier receives enough ammunition for a combat marksmanship range to engage targets in close-quarter battle situations to include; shooting while pivoting, shooting-on-the-move; controlled pairs, two controlled, well-aimed shots; hammered pairs, two shots in rapid succession; and failure-to-stop drills, a shooting procedure used to neutralize a threat. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-04 11:27:00
An Azerbaijani soldier engages targets at the 10-meter line during a combat-marksmanship training range designed to build proficiency in close-quarters battle, focusing on closing in and neutralizing threats. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-04 12:06:00
Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Ivey, rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, hands off his M16 to an Azerbaijani soldier to give the opportunity to familiarize him with a U.S.-issued weapon. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-04 11:36:00
While engaging targets “on the move,” from 25-meters to 15-meters, for the first time, Cpl. James A. Scarborough, rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, guides two Azerbaijani soldiers to build proficiency in close-quarters style shooting. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-04 12:08:00
An Azerbaijani soldier shoots an M-16 service rifle while training with Marines in close-quarters, combat marksmanship techniques. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-04 11:45:00
Soldiers from the Azerbaijani Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion wait on the combat-marksmanship range in Babadag Training Area. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-08-04 12:07:00
When an Azerbaijani soldier’s weapon jams during a familiarization course with a U.S.-issued service rifle, Lance Cpl. Nathan E. Gibson, infantryman and native of Chickamauga, Ala., Black Sea Rotational Force 11, demonstrates the remedial-action procedures for clearing the weapon and getting back to the fight. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 trained with Azerbaijan’s Operational Capabilities and Concepts Battalion in close-quarters, combat marksmanship to build proficiency and develop interoperability in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations in a combined-forces environment. The Azerbaijani troops mark the fourth cycle of partner nations from the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to train in the Babadag Training Area since April.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-21 10:16:00
On the operating table, Navy Lt. Dana L. Vanartsdalen, surgeon and San Diego, Calif., native, Petty Officers 3rd Class Godfrey O. Aneke, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jon W. Hill, Avery, Texas, native, corpsmen, Alpha Company, 4th Medical Battalion, Pittsburg, Penn., perform simulated surgery on a training casualty during a combined-forces medical training exercise with Georgian medics and nurses. The 4th Medical Battalion set up a Forward Resuscitative Surgical Suite during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011 to support the 350 U.S. Marines and sailors conducting counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations training with nearly 500 Georgian soldiers from the Georgian 4th Infantry Brigade in Vaziani Training Area, outside of Tblisi.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-21 10:14:00
During a mass-casualty drill between U.S. Navy and Georgian medical personnel, corpsmen, including Petty officer 2nd Class Adam Strotz and Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony M. Tiner, corpsmen and Pittsburgh, Penn., natives with Alpha Surgical Co., 4th Medical Battalion, Pittsburgh, Penn., rush a Georgian soldier to the Forward Resuscitative Surgery Suite to assess his injuries. The 4th Medical Battalion set up a Forward Resuscitative Surgical Suite during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011 to support the 350 U.S. Marines and sailors conducting counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations training with nearly 500 Georgian soldiers from the Georgian 4th Infantry Brigade in Vaziani Training Area, outside of Tblisi.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-22 08:49:00
During a simulated casualty drill, Petty Officer 2nd Class Bridget J. Shanahan, a Los Angeles, Calif., native, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony M. Tiner, Pittsburgh, Penn., native, both hospital corpsman, 4th Medical Battalion, slide a patient on a stretcher into their ambulance. The 4th Medical Battalion set up a Forward Resuscitative Surgical Suite during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011 to support the 350 U.S. Marines and sailors conducting counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations training with nearly 500 Georgian soldiers from the Georgian 4th Infantry Brigade in Vaziani Training Area, outside of Tblisi.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-22 16:11:00
Numerous media outlets from Georgian national and local media to the Associated Press, including the Georgian Minister of Defense and U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, attended the combined-forces final capabilities exercise conducted by U.S. Marines and Georgian troops participating in Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. U.S. Marines from Anti-Terrorism Battalion, Rochester, N.Y., and Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Constanta, Romania, participated in Agile Spirit to conduct counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations training with the Georgian 4th Infantry Brigade to build military capacity and interoperability between U.S. and partner nations. Agile Spirit plays an important part in Overseas Contingency Operations, training Georgian troops to deploy to Afghanistan in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-22 15:35:00
Before the start of a combined-forces capabilities exercise with the Georgian 4th Infantry Brigade and U.S. Marines, Col. Charles Chiarotti, incoming deputy commander of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa, and Lt. Col. Nelson S. Cardella, commander, BSRF-11, explain the training and purpose of Exercise Agile Spirit 2011 to Georgian Minister of Defense Bacho Akhalaia, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, John Bass, and Georgian Deputy Defense Minister, Nodar Kharshiladze. U.S. Marines from Anti-Terrorism Battalion, Rochester, N.Y., and Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Constanta, Romania, participated in Agile Spirit to conduct counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations training with the Georgian 4th Infantry Brigade to build military capacity and interoperability between U.S. and partner nations. Agile Spirit plays an important part in Overseas Contingency Operations, training Georgian troops to deploy to Afghanistan in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-22 07:42:00
Lance Cpl. Vince Vongkhily, infantryman with1st Platoon, Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, sights in on his rifle alongside a Georgian soldier from the 4th Infantry Brigade, on a patrol halt during a training mission for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011 here July 22. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-22 07:55:00
Lance Cpl. Charles Morone, infantryman with 1st Platoon, Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, walks out in front of his squad leader after searching the bushes for possible insurgents on a training mission here July 22 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-21 06:55:00
Sgt. Michael Sears, a designated marksman with Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, and a Syracuse, New York, native, looks through an enhanced marksmanship rifle on training mission here July 22 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-21 06:45:00
Georgian soldiers from the 4th Infantry Brigade, move towards a building on training mission here July 22 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-22 07:46:00
A Georgian soldier and a U.S. Marine scan for enemies with their rifles on a patrol halt during a training mission for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011 here July 22. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-22 07:56:00
Lance Cpl. Charles Morone and Sgt. Spenser McAvoy, Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, search the bushes for possible insurgents on a training mission here July 22 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-18 06:13:00
Marines salute during the playing of the U.S. national anthem in the opening ceremony of Exercise Agile Spirit 2011 here July 18. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Alpha Company of Anti-Terrorism Battalion, and 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion deployed to Georgia to conduct counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations training at Vaziani Training Area

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-18 02:35:00
Maj. Gen. Darrell Moore, commander, Marine Forces Reserve, speaks to Marines participating in Exercise Agile Spirit 2011 before the exercise opening ceremony here July 18. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Alpha Company of Anti-Terrorism Battalion, and 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion deployed to Georgia to conduct counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations training at Vaziani Training Area

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-18 06:16:00
Marines and Georgian soldiers participating in Exercise Agile Spirit 2011 stand in formation for the opening ceremony of the exercise here July 18. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Alpha Company of Anti-Terrorism Battalion, and 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion deployed to Georgia to conduct counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations training at Vaziani Training Area

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-20 07:14:00
A Georgian soldier detains a role playing U.S. Marine during counter-Improvised Explosive Device training here July 20. Marines are training with the Georgian Armed Forces for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-20 08:16:00
Georgian soldiers search for mock roadside bombs during convoy operations training here July 20. Marines are training with the Georgian Armed Forces for Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-19 03:37:00
Sgt. Nicholas Maugeri, squad leader with Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, teams up with Georgian soldiers to conduct Military Operations in an Urban Terrain training here July 19 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-19 03:03:00
Gunnery Sgt. Charles Evers, an infantryman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, draws a diagram on the floor for a Georgian soldier during Military Operations in an Urban Terrain training here July 19 as part of Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Nana Dannsaappiah
Date: 2011-07-19 03:26:00
Sgt. Spencer McAvoy, a squad leader with Company A, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, clears a room with Georgian soldiers here July 19 during Exercise Agile Spirit 2011. Agile Spirit is designed to increase interoperability between the forces by exchanging and enhancing each other’s capacity in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including: small unit tactics, convoy operations, and counter-Improvised Explosive Device training.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-07-20 23:00:00
Major General Darrell L. Moore Director, Reserve Affairs Division conducts a question and answer session with reserve Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa during his recent visit to Germany.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-07-21 00:00:00
Major General Darrell L. Moore Director, Reserve Affairs Division conducts a question and answer session with reserve Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa during his recent visit to Germany.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-18 13:39:00
In front of a color detail with the national colors of America and the Republic of Georgia and the unit colors of the U.S. Marine Corps and Georgian military, Maj. Eric J. Andersen, executive officer Black Sea Rotational Force 11 and Kent, Wash., native, “forms the troops” for the opening ceremony of Exercise Agile Spirit 2011, marking the official start of what is scheduled to be an annual training event with the partner nation. Marines with Alpha Company of Anti-Terrorism Battalion, and 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion deployed to Georgia for their annual training to supplement the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force deployment of BSRF-11, to conduct counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations training at Vaziani Training Area.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-12 10:10:00
Since coming to America from Wexford, Ireland, 14 years ago, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anastatia M. Dobbs worked in an Irish pub, as a babysitter and as a nanny before deciding to enlist in the Navy stating, “When 9/11 went down, I decided to join.” A Navy corpsman for Black Sea Rotational Force 11 with almost 10 years of service, Dobbs’ naturalization ceremony marks the first time a U.S. servicemember has sworn-in to become an American citizen in Romania. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Vienna, Austria, made a visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu Land Forces base to conduct the ceremony, and has naturalized a total of more than 53,400 members of the U.S. armed forces since September 2001, with over 7,400 being on foreign soil.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-12 10:21:00
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anastatia M. Dobbs receives a grand, congratulatory hug from her shipmate, HM2 Julissa Flores, both originally from Marine Wing Communications Squadron 48, Great Lakes, Ill., after her naturalization ceremony in Romania. A Navy corpsman for Black Sea Rotational Force 11 with almost 10 years of service, Dobbs’ naturalization ceremony marks the first time a U.S. servicemember has sworn-in to become an American citizen in Romania. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Vienna, Austria, made a visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu Land Forces base to conduct the ceremony, and has naturalized a total of more than 53,400 members of the U.S. armed forces since September 2001, with over 7,400 being on foreign soil.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-12 10:08:00
During a naturalization ceremony here, Pamela G. Hutchings, field program director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Vienna, Austria, leads Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anastatia M. Dobbs, as she pledges the Oath of Allegiance and officially becomes a U.S. citizen while deployed to Romania. A Navy corpsman for Black Sea Rotational Force 11 with almost 10 years of service, Dobbs’ naturalization ceremony marks the first time a U.S. servicemember has sworn-in to become an American citizen in Romania. The USCIS made a visit to Mihail Kogalniceanu Land Forces base to conduct the ceremony, and has naturalized a total of more than 53,400 members of the U.S. armed forces since September 2001, with over 7,400 being on foreign soil.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-30 11:09:00
Lt. Col. Nelson S. Cardella, commanding officer, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, addresses the class of Bulgarian non-commissioned officer instructors and U.S. Marine NCOs on the completion of the NCO development course. A dedicated team of eight Marines from the rank of corporal to first sergeant made the NCO Development detachment that conducted courses to advise and build the leadership ability and responsibility of partner nations’ NCO Corps. The Marines have been traveling around the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions of Eastern Europe since April providing the NCO development course to the participating countries who have requested it. They have conducted NCO-development training with Romania, Serbia, Azerbaijan and Bulgaria with future stops in Georgia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Macedonia.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-01 10:18:00
At the graduation and completion of the Bulgarian non-commissioned officer development course, a Bulgarian NCO instructor shakes hands with the Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 that have not only displayed their military professionalism but also their ability to be personable and friendly. A dedicated team of eight Marines from the rank of corporal to first sergeant made the NCO Development detachment that conducted courses to advise and build the leadership ability and responsibility of partner nations’ NCO Corps. The Marines have been traveling around the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions of Eastern Europe since April providing the NCO development course to the participating countries who have requested it. They have conducted NCO-development training with Romania, Serbia, Azerbaijan and Bulgaria with future stops in Georgia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Macedonia.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-04 13:56:00
Lance Cpl. Benjamin Descartes, motor transport mechanic, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, chows down on his fourth watermelon as he competes in the watermelon-eating competition. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force joined along U.S. Army soldiers, Navy sailors and Air Force airmen to celebrate the Fourth of July with food and festivities such as a dunk tank, sports competitions, pie and watermelon-eating contests and a tug-o-war.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-04 10:31:00
In a softball competition, Sgt. Benjamin S. Dominguez, data network specialist from Chicago, Ill., Black Sea Rotational Force 11, hits the ball into the air that will eventually lead to a run for his team. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force joined along U.S. Army soldiers, Navy sailors and Air Force airmen to celebrate the Fourth of July with food and festivities such as a dunk tank, sports competitions, pie and watermelon-eating contests and a tug-o-war.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-04 10:20:00
As Romanian Naval Academy band performs for the Marines, soldiers and sailors on base, the servicemembers jump up and dance along to the music that exchanges the cultural traditions between American Fourth of July barbeque and Romanian folk music and dance. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force joined along U.S. Army soldiers, Navy sailors and Air Force airmen to celebrate the Fourth of July with food and festivities such as a dunk tank, sports competitions, pie and watermelon-eating contests and a tug-o-war.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-04 13:31:00
In a tug-o-war between Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 and U.S. Navy stationed here, Marines secure a victory to show who the strongest team is. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force joined along U.S. Army soldiers, Navy sailors and Air Force airmen to celebrate the Fourth of July with food and festivities such as a dunk tank, sports competitions, pie and watermelon-eating contests and a tug-o-war.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-07-04 13:00:00
The commanding officer of Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Lt. Col. Nelson S. Cardella, goes down with a big splash after Lance Cpl. Robert K. Devaney, motor transport operator and Neptune, N.J., native, hits his target on his first throw. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force joined along U.S. Army soldiers, Navy sailors and Air Force airmen to celebrate the Fourth of July with food and festivities such as a dunk tank, sports competitions, pie and watermelon-eating contests and a tug-o-war.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-23 10:51:00
After clearing a building in the urban-combat facility, a Serbian infantryman links up with the Bulgarian rifleman providing perimeter security for his fire team during a combined-forces Cordon, Search and Seizure exercise being supervised by U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11. The Black Sea Marines conducted training with partner nations in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, and the Serbian 21st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, to build the military capacity of partner and allied nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Bulgarian unit is scheduled to deploy to the Kabul Province of Afghanistan this summer while the Serbian unit is scheduled to deploy to Cyprus in the near future. The training was conducted in Novo Selo’s 55-square-mile training area that features designated ranges for machine guns, RPGs and combat marksmanship; vast land for patrolling and convoy operations; and dedicated urban combat environments for training in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Cordon, Search, and Seizure.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-23 10:54:00
A Serbian soldier peers out of the window of an urban-combat facility while providing security for the combined-forces convoy of Serbian and Bulgarian troops during a Cordon, Search and Seizure training exercise supervised by U.S. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11. The Black Sea Marines conducted training with partner nations in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, and the Serbian 21st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, to build the military capacity of partner and allied nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Bulgarian unit is scheduled to deploy to the Kabul Province of Afghanistan this summer while the Serbian unit is scheduled to deploy to Cyprus in the near future. The training was conducted in Novo Selo’s 55-square-mile training area that features designated ranges for machine guns, RPGs and combat marksmanship; vast land for patrolling and convoy operations; and dedicated urban combat environments for training in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Cordon, Search, and Seizure.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-23 10:51:00
After perimeter security is set up by their Bulgarian counterparts, a Serbian fire team rushes into a building of an urban-combat environment during a combined-forces Cordon, Search and Seizure exercise being taught by U.S. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11. The Black Sea Marines conducted training with partner nations in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, and the Serbian 21st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, to build the military capacity of partner and allied nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Bulgarian unit is scheduled to deploy to the Kabul Province of Afghanistan this summer while the Serbian unit is scheduled to deploy to Cyprus in the near future. The training was conducted in Novo Selo’s 55-square-mile training area that features designated ranges for machine guns, RPGs and combat marksmanship; vast land for patrolling and convoy operations; and dedicated urban combat environments for training in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Cordon, Search, and Seizure.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-23 10:50:00
As a Bulgarian infantryman provides security, the point-man of a Serbian extraction team rushes across the field between a row of buildings in an urban-combat training environment while conducting training on Cordon, Search and Seizure tactics and being supervised by U.S. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11. The Black Sea Marines conducted training with partner nations in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, and the Serbian 21st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, to build the military capacity of partner and allied nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Bulgarian unit is scheduled to deploy to the Kabul Province of Afghanistan this summer while the Serbian unit is scheduled to deploy to Cyprus in the near future. The training was conducted in Novo Selo’s 55-square-mile training area that features designated ranges for machine guns, RPGs and combat marksmanship; vast land for patrolling and convoy operations; and dedicated urban combat environments for training in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Cordon, Search, and Seizure.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-22 09:23:00
After a successful string of fire with a .50-caliber machinegun mounted on U.S. Marine humvees, Cpl. Benjamin Balderez, a native of Hereford, Texas, and rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, congratulates a Bulgarian soldier for his rapid improvement and instinctive shooting during a live-fire exercise with U.S. Marines and Serbian soldiers. The Black Sea Marines conducted training with partner nations in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, and the Serbian 21st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, to build the military capacity of partner and allied nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Bulgarian unit is scheduled to deploy to the Kabul Province of Afghanistan this summer while the Serbian unit is scheduled to deploy to Cyprus in the near future. The training was conducted in Novo Selo’s 55-square-mile training area that features designated ranges for machine guns, RPGs and combat marksmanship; vast land for patrolling and convoy operations; and dedicated urban combat environments for training in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Cordon, Search, and Seizure.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-22 09:11:00
During a live-fire exercise with U.S. Marines and Bulgarian and Serbian soldiers, Cpl. Tiger Thai, a rifleman and Reno, Nev., native, fires a Rocket Propelled Grenade-7 (RPG-7) launcher while familiarizing himself with the weapons of the Bulgarian military. The Black Sea Marines conducted training with partner nations in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, and the Serbian 21st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, to build the military capacity of partner and allied nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Bulgarian unit is scheduled to deploy to the Kabul Province of Afghanistan this summer while the Serbian unit is scheduled to deploy to Cyprus in the near future. The training was conducted in Novo Selo’s 55-square-mile training area that features designated ranges for machine guns, RPGs and combat marksmanship; vast land for patrolling and convoy operations; and dedicated urban combat environments for training in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Cordon, Search, and Seizure.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-22 09:20:00
NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria – Before familiarizing himself with a mounted .50-caliber machine gun, a Serbian soldier performs a function check under the close supervision of Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Bauer, native of Elk Grove, Calif., on the left and Sgt. Brian Hogan, Placerville, Calif., native, both Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, at a live-fire exercise with U.S., Serbian and Bulgarian troops. The Black Sea Marines conducted training with partner nations in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, and the Serbian 21st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, to build the military capacity of partner and allied nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Bulgarian unit is scheduled to deploy to the Kabul Province of Afghanistan this summer while the Serbian unit is scheduled to deploy to Cyprus in the near future. The training was conducted in Novo Selo’s 55-square-mile training area that features designated ranges for machine guns, RPGs and combat marksmanship; vast land for patrolling and convoy operations; and dedicated urban combat environments for training in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Cordon, Search, and Seizure.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-22 09:45:00
U.S. Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 got the opportunity to shoot Bulgarian Rocket Propelled Grenade-7 (RPG-7) launchers, the most widely-used anti-tank weapon in the world, under the supervision of Bulgarian soldiers during a foreign military familiarization live-fire range with RPG launchers and U.S. .50-caliber machine guns. The Black Sea Marines conducted training with partner nations in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, and the Serbian 21st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, to build the military capacity of partner and allied nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Bulgarian unit is scheduled to deploy to the Kabul Province of Afghanistan this summer while the Serbian unit is scheduled to deploy to Cyprus in the near future. The training was conducted in Novo Selo’s 55-square-mile training area that features designated ranges for machine guns, RPGs and combat marksmanship; vast land for patrolling and convoy operations; and dedicated urban combat environments for training in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Cordon, Search, and Seizure.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-22 11:11:00
Aiming in on targets at a distance of 200-300 meters, a Serbian infantryman fires a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) from a RPG-7 launcher during a combined forces live-fire range with U.S. Marines and Bulgarian soldiers. The Black Sea Marines conducted training with partner nations in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, and the Serbian 21st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 2nd Brigade, to build the military capacity of partner and allied nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions. The Bulgarian unit is scheduled to deploy to the Kabul Province of Afghanistan this summer while the Serbian unit is scheduled to deploy to Cyprus in the near future. The training was conducted in Novo Selo’s 55-square-mile training area that features designated ranges for machine guns, RPGs and combat marksmanship; vast land for patrolling and convoy operations; and dedicated urban combat environments for training in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Cordon, Search, and Seizure.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-06-17 08:07:00
Maj. Robert Cano, the commanding officer of Headquarters Company, Marine Forces Europe, Marine Forces Africa, speaks to the Marines and Sailors of the two separate commands here who are filed under one company, June 17.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-06-17 08:05:00
Maj. Robert Cano, the commanding officer of Headquarters Company, Marine Forces Europe, Marine Forces Africa, takes charge of the Marines and Sailors of the two separate commands here June 17.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-06-17 08:05:00
Gunnery Sgt. Andre Cuthbertson, the first sergeant of Headquarters Company, Marine Forces Europe, Marine Forces Africa, holds the company’s colors during the ceremony that established the headquarters company here June 17.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-06-17 08:05:00
Maj. Robert Cano, the commanding officer of Headquarters Company, Marine Forces Europe, Marine Forces Africa, unfolds the company‘s colors during the ceremony that established the company here June 17.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-06-17 08:00:00
The Marines and Sailors of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa stand in formation as they await the ceremony that will create a headquarters company for the two separate commands here June 17.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-16 12:41:00
During a foreign weapons familiarization, Cpl. Nicholas Porter, an Amarillo, Texas, native and rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, gets a brief introduction to the Bulgarian-issued Dragunov machine gun from Bulgarian Capt. Svetoslav Godinov, company commander of the Bulgarian infantry battalion participating in the combat marksmanship range. The Ground Combat Element of BSRF-11 conducted counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with Bulgarians and Serbians to work with foreign soldiers and build the military capacities of partner nations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-16 12:39:00
At a combat marksmanship range with U.S. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11, a Bulgarian machine gunner from the Bulgarian 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, engages targets at distance of up to 200 meters to showcase the Bulgarian Dragunov’s capabilities in suppressive fire. The Ground Combat Element of BSRF-11 conducted counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with Bulgarians and Serbians to work with foreign soldiers and build the military capacities of partner nations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-16 09:58:00
During a foreign weapons familiarization with Bulgarian and Serbians soldiers, Sgt. Steven Encinias, rifleman and native of Albuquerque, N.M., Black Sea Rotational Force 11, swaps his M4 carbine service rifle for an AK-47 assault rifle to give a Bulgarian soldier the opportunity to get acquainted with shooting a combat marksmanship range with a U.S. weapon. The Ground Combat Element of BSRF-11 conducted counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with Bulgarians and Serbians to work with foreign soldiers and build the military capacities of partner nations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-16 09:17:00
A Serbian infantryman shoots Table 3 of the Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Course for his first time alongside a Bulgarian soldier while participating in Black Sea Rotational Force 11 to improve close-quarters shooting at a distance of 25 meters or less. The Ground Combat Element of BSRF-11 conducted counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations with Bulgarians and Serbians to work with foreign soldiers and build the military capacities of partner nations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-14 10:04:00
A three-platoon formation, composed Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11, the Bulgarian Land Forces 38th Infantry Battalion, and Serbia's Mechanized Infantry Battalion, salute their national colors at an opening ceremony in Novo Selo, Bulgaria, to officially begin their two-week combined-forces training evolution. BSRF-11 will be working with the Serbian and Bulgarian troops in Novo Selo training area in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations to advise and build the military capacities of these nations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-18 16:26:00
A Serbian convoy is tested on their reaction to an Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) as their lead vehicle is hit by a simulated road-side bomb during convoy operations around the remote roads of the training area. BSRF-11 will be working with the Serbian and Bulgarian troops in Novo Selo training area in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations to advise and build the military capacities of these nations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-14 10:04:00
In front of a three-nation formation, at an opening ceremony for a combined-forces exercise with Serbia and Bulgaria, Cpl. Michael J. Harding, Placerville, Calif., native and a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, gets the opportunity to raise the U.S. flag alongside the national colors to officially begin a cooperative training evolution. BSRF-11 will be working with the Serbian and Bulgarian troops in Novo Selo training area in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations to advise and build the military capacities of these nations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-18 10:20:00
During a period-of-instruction for convoy operations, Cpl. Nicholas Porter, rifleman and Amarillo, Texas, native, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, advises a Serbian soldier on the responsibilities of a “gunner” while doing Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) awareness training. BSRF-11 will be working with the Serbian and Bulgarian troops in Novo Selo training area in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations to advise and build the military capacities of these nations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: MC2 Daniel Viramontes
Date: 2011-06-15 09:20:00
Maj. Todd Schunk, a Marine assigned to the Black Sea Rotational Force (BSRF) 11 and native of St. Augustine, Fla., high-fives a girl from the Constanta Kindergarten #46 class during a community service project provided by Project Handclasp. The project, led by sailors of the U.S.S. Monterey and supported by BSRF-11, delivered toys, school supplies and health kits for schools, orphanages and hospitals. Black Sea Rotational Force 11 is a rotational deployment of Marines to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to work with partner nations to help build their military capacity, promote stability throughout the region, and build enduring partnerships with 13 nations throughout Eastern Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Viramontes)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-06-07 21:50:00
Petty Officers 2nd Class Michael Volpe and Sarah Moore, hospital mates, clarify why they wear the U.S. Marine Corps desert utility uniform but serve in the U.S. Navy. The sailors participated in the non-commissioned officers' development course, led by 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment's sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Steven Peck, who compiled the curriculum for partner nation militaries during Sea Breeze 2011. Sea Breeze 2011, an exercise comprised of 13 countries, working together and participating. Partner nations will be able to meet future peacekeeping and humanitarian operations as well as counter-trafficking and other challenges. This training will help ensure participating forces achieve higher levels of interoperability, be able to operate as a multinational task force, and enhance maritime security capabilities.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matthew Lyman
Date: 2011-06-07 22:44:00
Sergeant Major Steven Peck, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment sergeant major, leads a period of instruction during a non-commissioned officer development course held for partner nation non-commissioned officer’s in Shirokyi Lan, Ukraine. This course was given during Sea Breeze 2011, an exercise comprised of 13 countries, working together and participating. Partner nations will be able to meet future peacekeeping and humanitarian operations as well as counter-trafficking and other challenges. This training will help ensure participating forces achieve higher levels of interoperability, be able to operate as a multinational task force, and enhance maritime security capabilities.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-08 15:40:00
The U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, headline the “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show, that was attended by local vendors as well as U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11, to display Romanian and U.S. military air power. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force-11 participated in a “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show along with U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and several Romanian aerial demonstration squadrons on June 8 to display Romanian and U.S. air capabilities to the locals in the area.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-08 15:38:00
Two F-16s from the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, perform a "Calypso pass," which involves Thunderbird 5, lead solo flown by Maj. Aaron Jelinek and Maj. J.R. Williams flying Thunderbird 6, as the opposing solo, for a large crowd at the “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show held here, June 8, that was attended by local vendors as well as U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11, to display Romanian and U.S. military air power. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force-11 participated in a “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show along with U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and several Romanian aerial demonstration squadrons on June 8 to display Romanian and U.S. air capabilities to the locals in the area.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-08 14:16:00
After an aerial performance with the KC-130T Hercules aircraft, Ranger 29, flown by the Air Combat Element of Black Sea Rotational Force 11, lands behind the line of F-16 fighter jets that belong to the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the “Thunderbirds.” Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force-11 participated in a “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show along with U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and several Romanian aerial demonstration squadrons on June 8 to display Romanian and U.S. air capabilities to the locals in the area.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-08 14:14:00
Displaying aerial finesse for a crowd of spectators, Ranger 29 and Ranger 28, two KC-130T Hercules aircrafts flown by the Air Combat Element of Black Sea Rotational Force 11, perform a “section overhead break,” a maneuver used as an efficient means to recover from a formation and maintain speed, at the “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show, June 8. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force-11 participated in a “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show along with U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and several Romanian aerial demonstration squadrons on June 8 to display Romanian and U.S. air capabilities to the locals in the area.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-08 12:22:00
Finishing his last repetitions with the help of Lance Cpl. Humberto Rodriguez, Tyler, Texas, native and motor transport operator, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, a Romanian child does pull-ups at the U.S. Marines’ static display from Marines at the “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show here, June 8. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force-11 participated in a “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show along with U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and several Romanian aerial demonstration squadrons on June 8 to display Romanian and U.S. air capabilities to the locals in the area.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-08 13:14:00
From the view of the Black Sea Rotational Force 11 Marines’ static display on the air-base, a formation of the Romanian aerial demonstration squadron soars past the crowd of locals, tourists and U.S. military personnel at the “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show on June 8. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force-11 participated in a “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show along with U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and several Romanian aerial demonstration squadrons on June 8 to display Romanian and U.S. air capabilities to the locals in the area.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-08 13:04:00
At a joint and combined-services air show, Cpl. Blake Childree, data network specialist from Skipperville, Ala., Black Sea Rotational Force 11, surrounded by Romanian locals around a humvee for a U.S. Marines static display, featuring pull-up bars and military rations, helps a child into the “gunner’s seat” of a humvee to give him a first-hand look at a 50-caliber machine gun. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force-11 participated in a “Thunder Over the Black Sea” air show along with U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and several Romanian aerial demonstration squadrons on June 8 to display Romanian and U.S. air capabilities to the locals in the area.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven B. King
Date: 2011-06-07 11:11:00
Gunnery Sgt. Charles Evers instructs Sailors on proper handling of a 9 mm pistol during a small arms qualification on the flight deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57), June 7. Mitscher is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Carrier Strike Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven B. King
Date: 2011-06-08 14:55:00
Marine Sgt. Todd Brown (right) observes the visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) as they perform a VBSS exercise with Albanian navy Lt. jg. Euglen Xhengo (left) aboard Mitscher, June 8. Mitscher is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Carrier Strike Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-06-02 01:00:00
Army SSgt. Stephen Provence, Raven operator observes a Romanian soldier during a Raven, unmanned aerial vehicle, familiarization flight at Buzau, Romania. Black Sea Rotational Force 11 personnel provided a class of 24 Romanian sodldiers with a five-day course to give them some hands-on familiarization with the Raven system.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-06-01 23:06:00
Romanian Special Forces soldiers send commands to the Raven, unmanned aerial vehicle during a flight at the Romanian army facility in Buzau, Romania. Black Sea Rotational Force 11 personnel brought the Raven system to provide a familiarization course.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-06-02 00:38:00
A Romanian soldier executes proper technique for launching the Raven, unmanned aerial vehicle. Black Sea Rotational Force 11 personnel held a familiarization course for a class of 24 Romanian soldiers at their base in Buzau, Romania. A sustained, rotational opportunity for combined training in the region significantly increases the level of cooperation between our militaries.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-06-01 23:35:00
a Raven-B, unmanned aerial vehicle soars over a Romanian Army base in Buzau, Romania where Marines and soldiers assigned to Black Sea Rotational Force 11 and are providing Raven, UAV familiarization classes for the Romanian army.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-06-01 20:07:00
Marine Sgt. Joshua Watersjackson teaches a Raven-B, unmanned aerial vehicle familiarization class to members of the Romanian army at a base in Buzau, Romania. Watersjackson is assigned to Black Sea Rotational Force 11 and serves as an intelligence analyst and is a certified Raven operator.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-06-01 23:06:00
Army Sgt. Marshall Day, infantryman/Raven-B operator, observes Romanian soldiers assemble the Raven, unmanned aerial vehicle after a flight. Day is supporting Black Sea Rotational Force 11 along with SSgt. Stephen Provence. These soldiers bring real-life deployment experience with the Raven system to help the Romanian army familiarize themselves with man-packable UAV technology.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-02 10:36:00
After shooting a course of Table 3 of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program, Cpl. Nicholas D. Porter, rifleman and Amarillo, Texas native, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, gives the “thumbs up” to a Macedonian soldier to clear him off the range. The Macedonian 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade traveled to Babadag Training Area, Romania, to work with U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 as part of their mobilization training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-02 12:23:00
Macedonian soldiers got the opportunity to learn Table 3 of the Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program from Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 before they deploy to Afghanistan. The Macedonian 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade traveled to Babadag Training Area, Romania, to work with U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 as part of their mobilization training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-02 11:08:00
Lance Cpl. Erick M. Walczak., native of Reno, Nev., and Lance Cpl. Jonathon D. Knudson, riflemen and Gardendale, Ala., native with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, load magazines for AK-47 assault rifles during a combat marksmanship range for Macedonian soldiers. The Macedonian 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade traveled to Babadag Training Area, Romania, to work with U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 as part of their mobilization training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-02 11:28:00
Macedonian soldiers train with U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 in Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program to explore new tactics, techniques and procedures for effective shooting. The Macedonian 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade traveled to Babadag Training Area, Romania, to work with U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 as part of their mobilization training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-02 11:46:00
Before firing Table 3 of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program, Lance Cpl. James H. Venable, combat engineer and Birmingham, Ala., native, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, suggests and demonstrates the proper rifle position to fire on-the-move. The Macedonian 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade traveled to Babadag Training Area, Romania, to work with U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 as part of their mobilization training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-06-02 10:55:00
Firing a “controlled pair,” two well-aimed shots at a target, a Macedonian rifleman shoots at the range while learning Table 3 of the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program lead by Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11. The Macedonian 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade traveled to Babadag Training Area, Romania, to work with U.S. Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 as part of their mobilization training for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-30 15:00:00
Once the KC-130 Hercules has landed, Lance Cpl. Gregory Terpinyan, an air frame mechanic and Parsippany, N.J., native, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, performs an after-flight inspection. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 686, the Air Combat Element for BSRF-11, is a combination of reservists from VMGR-452, Newburgh, N.Y., and VMGR- 234, Fort Worth, Texas, and play a vital role in cargo and personnel transport to the 12 Eastern European nations participating in the deployment.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-30 14:58:00
After a transport mission, Cpl. Jeremy J. Davies, a Catskill, N.Y., native, and Sgt. Matthew J. McKinney, power line mechanics, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, check the engine of a KC-130T Hercules as part of after-mission standard operating procedures. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 686, the Air Combat Element for BSRF-11, is a combination of reservists from VMGR-452, Newburgh, N.Y., and VMGR- 234, Fort Worth, Texas, and play a vital role in cargo and personnel transport to the 12 Eastern European nations participating in the deployment.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-30 13:53:00
During a combat resupply mission, Sgt. Christopher G. Jacobs, loadmaster, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, helps guide a Humvee onto the flight line in Odessa, Ukraine. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 686, the Air Combat Element for BSRF-11, is a combination of reservists from VMGR-452, Newburgh, N.Y., and VMGR- 234, Fort Worth, Texas, and play a vital role in cargo and personnel transport to the 12 Eastern European nations participating in the deployment.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-30 12:22:00
Before flying to Odessa, Ukraine, to transport Humvees, Gunnery Sgt. Jason E. Vanevery, loadmaster, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, straps down the precious cargo to the deck to secure it during the flight. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 686, the Air Combat Element for BSRF-11, is a combination of reservists from VMGR-452, Newburgh, N.Y., and VMGR- 234, Fort Worth, Texas, and play a vital role in cargo and personnel transport to the 12 Eastern European nations participating in the deployment.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-24 00:18:00
During pre-deployment, Cpl. David D. Muniz, loadmaster, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, coordinates the safe load of arms and ammunition cargo being transported from Camp Pendleton, Calif., to Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 686, the Air Combat Element for BSRF-11, is a combination of reservists from VMGR-452, Newburgh, N.Y., and VMGR- 234, Fort Worth, Texas, and play a vital role in cargo and personnel transport to the 12 Eastern European nations participating in the deployment.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-13 10:39:00
The silhouette of a KC-130 Hercules, flown by Marine Aerial Refueler Transportation Squadron 686 with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, flies over the Romanian landscape in a low-level training flight. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 686, the Air Combat Element for BSRF-11, is a combination of reservists from VMGR-452, Newburgh, N.Y., and VMGR- 234, Fort Worth, Texas, and play a vital role in cargo and personnel transport to the 12 Eastern European nations participating in the deployment.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Lt. Col. Sean P. Clements
Date: 2011-05-26 14:22:00
Gunnery Sergeant Thurman Cowan, Civil Affairs Detachment chief, Black Sea Rotational Force 11 and a native of Washington D.C., helps a boy from a school in Jurilovca put on a Marine’s body armor. Marines drew a crowd when they visited one of the schools they renovated in the area around Babadag Training Area, where BSRF-11 field training is taking place. The combat engineers and civil affairs detachment of BSRF-11 replaced windows and doors, installed a path and cleaned up landscaping at the school.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Lt. Col. Sean P. Clements
Date: 2011-05-26 14:24:00
A young lady from a school in Jurilovca and a warrior-to-be tries on a Marine's body armor and cover as Gunnery Sergeant Thurman Cowan, Civil Affairs Detachment chief, Black Sea Rotational Force 11 and a native of Washington D.C., looks on. Marines drew a crowd when they visited one of the schools they renovated in the area around Babadag Training Area, where BSRF-11 field training is taking place. The combat engineers and civil affairs detachment of BSRF-11 replaced windows and doors, installed a path and cleaned up landscaping at the school.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Lt. Col. Sean P. Clements
Date: 2011-05-26 14:26:00
Combat engineers from Black Sea Rotational Force 11 watch as students from the school in Jurilovca try on their equipment. Marines drew a crowd when they visited one of the schools they renovated in the area around Babadag Training Area, where BSRF-11 field training is taking place. The combat engineers and civil affairs detachment of BSRF-11 replaced windows and doors, installed a path and cleaned up landscaping at the school.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Lt. Col. Sean P. Clements
Date: 2011-05-26 13:53:00
Young ladies from the middle school in Jurilovca perform a dance routine depicting a pirate battle for the combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 who helped repair their school. The school is located in a town located near the Babadag Training Area, where BSRF-11 field training is taking place. BSRF-11 engineers and civil affairs helped with much-needed repairs to two schools in the area. The children performed for the Marines to say "Thank you" for the work they did.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Lt. Col. Sean P. Clements
Date: 2011-05-26 13:25:00
Children from the school in Jurilovca greet Marines and Sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 with a few celebratory songs. The school is located in a town located near the Babadag Training Area, where BSRF-11 field training is taking place. U.S. Marine combat engineers and the civil affairs detachment helped with much-needed repairs to two schools in the area. The children performed for the Marines to say "Thank you" for the work they did.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Lance Cpl. Nathan Gibson
Date: 2005-01-10 07:53:00
For a “warriors dinner” after the completion of a counterinsurgency training course, a Romanian Marine prepares the fish he will use for a local dish, ciorba de peste, a sour fish soup from the Danube Delta. As the U.S. Marines and Romanian Marines and soldiers trained together, lived, relaxed, and ate together at BTA, they oftentimes learned that they were not so different, despite their different backgrounds.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Lance Cpl. Adrian Delafuente
Date: 2011-05-23 00:00:00
Romanian Marines celebrate the birthday of Lance Cpl. John R. West II, rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, by throwing him up in the air, a tradition within their ranks. As the U.S. Marines and Romanian Marines and soldiers trained together, lived, relaxed, and ate together at BTA, they oftentimes learned that they were not so different, despite their different backgrounds.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 10:24:00
Members of the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team perform during a Memorial Day service in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918. (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 10:03:00
The “Commandant’s Own” drum and bugle corps performed in front of a crowd of more than 2000 on the parade field of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a Memorial Day ceremony in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918. (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 09:30:00
Lt. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr. (left), commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force and Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, deputy commander, Marine Corps Forces Europe, lay a wreath at the foot of the steps that lead to the chapel at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in front of dignitaries and a formation of Marines from 5th and 6th Marine Regiments during a Memorial Day ceremony here. At the cemetery, there are 2,039 known buried and 250 unknown. In the chapel, there are 1,060 names inscribed on the walls to commemorate the missing—all from the Battle of Belleau Wood. (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 09:38:00
A formation of French soldiers stands and pays tribute to fallen U.S. service members during a Memorial Day ceremony here. More than 2,000 French and American visitors attended the Memorial Day ceremony. (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 09:22:00
The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos lays a wreath at the foot of the steps that lead to the chapel at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in front of dignitaries and a formation of Marines from 5th and 6th Marine Regiments during a Memorial Day ceremony here. At the cemetery, there are 2,039 known buried and 250 unknown. In the chapel, there are 1,060 names inscribed on the walls to commemorate the missing—all from the Battle of Belleau Wood. (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 09:22:00
The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos lays a wreath at the foot of the steps that lead to the chapel at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in front of dignitaries and a formation of Marines from 5th and 6th Marine Regiments during a Memorial Day ceremony here. At the cemetery, there are 2,039 known buried and 250 unknown. In the chapel, there are 1,060 names inscribed on the walls to commemorate the missing—all from the Battle of Belleau Wood. (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 08:48:00
Two aircraft from U.S. Air Force 492nd Fighter Squadron out of Lakenheath, U.K., conducts a flyover as a tribute to the U.S. service members who perished during the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood. (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 09:21:00
French Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Herve Charpentier lays a wreath during a Memorial Day ceremony here at the foot of the steps that lead to the chapel at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in front of dignitaries and a formation of Marines from 5th and 6th Marine Regiments. More than 2,000 French and American visitors attended the Memorial Day ceremony here. (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 08:10:00
The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos and French Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Herve Charpentier salute the Iron Mike monument atop a hill in the heart of the Belleau Wood forest during a private Memorial Day ceremony in front of a formation of Marines and French soldiers. Following World War I, the French government renamed the Belleau Wood forest “Wood of the Marine Brigade." (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 08:12:00
Two formations of Marines and French soldiers pay tribute to fallen U.S. service members atop a hill at the heart of the Belleau Wood forest during a private ceremony that was held prior the official Memorial Day ceremony, which was held in the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery here at the foot of the forest.(Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 08:08:00
The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos lays a commemorative coin in front of the Iron Mike monument atop a hill in the heart of the Belleau Wood forest during a private Memorial Day ceremony in front of a formation of Marines and French soldiers. The coin is from the Marines of Task Force Belleau Wood, assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in Regional Command (Southwest) in Afghanistan. The coin was given to the Commandant during his visit to Afghanistan, May 11-15, 2011.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 08:09:00
The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos and French Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Herve Charpentier salute the Iron Mike monument atop a hill in the heart of the Belleau Wood forest during a private Memorial Day ceremony in front of a formation of Marines and French soldiers. Following World War I, the French government renamed the Belleau Wood forest “Wood of the Marine Brigade." (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-05-29 08:08:00
The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps General James F. Amos lays a wreath in front of the Iron Mike monument atop a hill in the heart of the Belleau Wood forest during a private Memorial Day ceremony in front of a formation of Marines and French soldiers. The Iron Mike monument was sculpted by Felix Weihs de Weldon, the artist who later designed the Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington, D.C., and was erected in honor of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments after World War I. (Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana)

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-19 12:08:00
After an M4 Carbine service rifle familiarization, a Romanian soldier thanks Lance Cpl. Juan D. McClain, a Canyon Texas native and rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, by shaking hands for allowing him to use the Marine’s rifle. U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers trained, learned and lived together at BTA while practicing counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device awareness and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-18 10:36:00
During practical applications for a combat marksmanship range, Lance Cpl. James A. Scarborough, rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, and native of Montevallo, Ala., demonstrates a “combat reload” to a Romanian soldier to help build familiarization with speedy magazine changes during a combat situation. U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers trained, learned and lived together at BTA while practicing counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device awareness and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-18 10:18:00
Gunnery Sgt. Charles M. Evers, ground combat element detachment company gunnery sergeant, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, and Lewiston, Idaho native, demonstrates an immediate and remedial action drill on an AK-74 assault rifle to Romanian troops before a combat marksmanship firing range. U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers trained, learned and lived together at BTA while practicing counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device awareness and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-19 11:49:00
During foreign weapons familiarization for Romanian troops, Cpl. Nicholas D. Porter, Amarillo, Texas native and a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, shows the safety features of the M16A4 service rifle to a Romanian soldier before a combat marksmanship range. U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers trained, learned and lived together at BTA while practicing counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device awareness and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-19 11:42:00
During a familiarization with U.S. issued weapons, a Romanian soldier shoots an M4 carbine service rifle on a combat marksmanship range as part of Black Sea Rotational Force 11. U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers trained, learned and lived together at BTA while practicing counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device awareness and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-18 16:46:00
While introducing Romanian soldiers to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, Lance Cpl. Alexander B. Graham, Moulton, Ala., native, rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, demonstrates a control hold for two Romanian soldiers. U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers trained, learned and lived together at BTA while practicing counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device awareness and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-20 09:54:00
After setting off a smoke grenade for a riot simulation, Cpl. Bryant A. Much, rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, and a native of Reno, Nev., explains the importance of maintaining the integrity of the “shield line” to prevent confusion, protect the troops and maintain order during peacekeeping operations. U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers trained, learned and lived together at BTA while practicing counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device awareness and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-20 10:54:00
While training Romanian soldiers in non-lethal weapons and riot control procedures, Lance Cpl. Nathan E. Gibson, rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Chicamuga, Ga., native, launches himself into the shields of the Romanian riot-control detail. U.S. Marines and Romanian soldiers trained, learned and lived together at BTA while practicing counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device awareness and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-05-16 11:30:00
U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Carlton Kent, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps talks with Marines and sailors assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa during a recent visit. This visit marked the final visit to Germany for Sgt. Maj. Kent as an active duty Marine. This summer he hands the Marine Corps most senior enlisted spot to Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett and prepares to retire after 34 years of service. Sergeant Major Kent made the trip with General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-05-16 18:59:00
U.S. Marine Corps General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, listens to a question from Chief Warrant Officer 3 Randall Rogers, personnel officer for U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe. General Amos fielded questions from the Marines and sailors assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Africa for more than an hour after talking to the Marines and sailors about some of the directions the Marine Corps may be headed in the next couple of years. General Amos was accompanied by Sergeant Major Carlton Kent, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps who also answered questions during their visit.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-05-16 13:30:00
U.S. Marine Corps General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Carlton Kent, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, chat with Marines eating lunch, at the Panzer-Kaserne DFAC aboard USAG Stuttgart, Germany. General Amos and Sgt. Maj. Kent made the trip in order to visit Marines assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-10 12:34:00
Being pinned down by Romanian Marines, a U.S. Marine role player, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, is detained after causing a mock riot during a peacekeeping operation during a capabilities exercise in an urban training facility. Romanian and U.S. Marines trained in Babadag Training Area for a two-week course in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) awareness, and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-10 12:34:00
During a final exercise in peacekeeping operations, U.S. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force 11, dressed in padded, police-training suits, crash into the shields of Romanian Marines trying to keep order in a mock village of “rioters.” Romanian and U.S. Marines trained in Babadag Training Area for a two-week course in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) awareness, and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-10 10:10:00
Black Sea Rotational Force 11 Marines, role-playing as “rioters” for a capabilities exercise, do their best to stir up aggression in Romanian Marines by throwing water bottles, fruit and taunts at the peacekeeping force heading into the urban training facility. Romanian and U.S. Marines trained in Babadag Training Area for a two-week course in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) awareness, and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-10 09:42:00
With a Romanian Marine providing security, Cpl. Tiger U. Thai, rifleman, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, leads a “High-Value Target” across an urban training facility during a capabilities exercise for U.S. and Romanian Marines. Romanian and U.S. Marines trained in Babadag Training Area for a two-week course in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) awareness, and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-10 09:38:00
U.S. and Romanian Marines, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, perform a close quarters combat exercise during a “raid” on a mock village for a capabilities exercise of a two-week, combined forces counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations course. Romanian and U.S. Marines trained in Babadag Training Area for a two-week course in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) awareness, and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-10 09:35:00
After jumping out of a U.S. Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, Romanian Marines with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 rush to provide perimeter security for a capabilities exercise in a urban training facility at Babadag Training Area. Romanian and U.S. Marines trained in Babadag Training Area for a two-week course in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) awareness, and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-10 13:04:00
During a combined forces capabilities exercise, a Romanian Marine provides perimeter security for a fire team of U.S. Marines, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, entering a house in the urban training facility at Babadag Training Area. Romanian and U.S. Marines trained in Babadag Training Area for a two-week course in counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations including combat marksmanship, convoy operations, Improvised-Explosive Device (IED) awareness, and Marine Corps Martial Arts.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-28 04:03:00
Three of eight Romanian paratroopers training with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 make the last part of their descent out of a KC-130 Hercules from altitude of 1,000 feet in the air at Camp Turzii as part of combined forces parachute jump operations and training. U.S. Marine and Romanian jumpmasters conducted combat jump operations at Camp Turzii recently, about 260 miles north of Mihail Kogalniceanu, to share experience and give Romanian troops the opportunity to jump from a KC-130.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-28 13:44:00
After a squad of eight Romanian paratroopers jump out of the KC-130 Hercules, Gunnery Sgt. Nathan Z. Smith, a High-Altitude, Low-Opening (HALO) jumpmaster, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Gunnery Sgt. Darren D. Wainer, jumpmaster, BSRF-11 and Sgt. Christopher G. Jacobs, loadmaster, BSRF-11, pull the static-line parachute bags back into the aircraft before securing the hatch. U.S. Marine and Romanian jumpmasters conducted combat jump operations at Camp Turzii recently, about 260 miles north of Mihail Kogalniceanu, to share experience and give Romanian troops the opportunity to jump from a KC-130.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-28 12:37:00
As one of the last ones to run off the KC-130 Hercules, a Romanian paratrooper, assisted out by Gunnery Sgt. Darren D. Wainer, the jumpmaster, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, runs into the clouds at an altitude of 1,000 feet while conducting combined forces static-line combat jump training. U.S. Marine and Romanian jumpmasters conducted combat jump operations at Camp Turzii recently, about 260 miles north of Mihail Kogalniceanu, to share experience and give Romanian troops the opportunity to jump from a KC-130.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-28 12:24:00
While flying at an 10,000 feet, two Romanian paratroopers fling themselves off a KC-130 Hercules and into the open air toward the patched landscape below while conducting a High-Altitude, Low-Opening (HALO) combat jump as part of parachute operations with Black Sea Rotational Force 11. U.S. Marine and Romanian jumpmasters conducted combat jump operations at Camp Turzii recently, about 260 miles north of Mihail Kogalniceanu, to share experience and give Romanian troops the opportunity to jump from a KC-130.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-28 11:17:00
After conducting a pre-jump inspection, a Romanian jumpmaster with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, gives a “thumbs-up” to signal that all safety conditions have been met to continue with the static-line combat jumps. U.S. Marine and Romanian jumpmasters conducted combat jump operations at Camp Turzii recently, about 260 miles north of Mihail Kogalniceanu, to share experience and give Romanian troops the opportunity to jump from a KC-130.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-28 10:30:00
While being held securely by Gunnery Sgt. Darren D. Wainer, the jumpmaster for Black Sea Rotational Force 11, a Romanian jumpmaster conducts the inspection while flying at an 1,000 feet to make sure the conditions are safe for a static-line combat jump. U.S. Marine and Romanian jumpmasters conducted combat jump operations at Camp Turzii recently, about 260 miles north of Mihail Kogalniceanu, to share experience and give Romanian troops the opportunity to jump from a KC-130.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-28 10:08:00
While flying at an altitude of 1,000 feet, Gunnery Sgt. Darren D. Wainer, the jumpmasters with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, and the Romanian jumpmaster meet and coordinate before the first paratroopers perform a combat jump. U.S. Marine and Romanian jumpmasters conducted combat jump operations at Camp Turzii recently, about 260 miles north of Mihail Kogalniceanu, to share experience and give Romanian troops the opportunity to jump from a KC-130.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-28 09:20:00
After a safety brief from Romanian jumpmasters, Romanian paratroopers training with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 make preparations to board a KC-130 Hercules, with flight support by BSRF-11’s Air Combat Element. U.S. Marine and Romanian jumpmasters conducted combat jump operations at Camp Turzii recently, about 260 miles north of Mihail Kogalniceanu, to share experience and give Romanian troops the opportunity to jump from a KC-130.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-04 15:46:00
Local children watch from the top of a hill as Lance Cpl. John E. Fitzpatrick and Lance Cpl. Angelo Moriello, combat engineers with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, work on the newly-installed, six-foot fence that surrounds the Calfa Village Kindergarten. Marine reserve civil affairs specialists and combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 travelled north to villages in the Topolog region to reach out and directly impact remote communities and local schools by building a school fence in Calfa village and passing out small donations to schools in Mandra, Cerbu, Luminata, and Margurele.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-04 15:30:00
The combat engineering team with Black Sea Rotational Force 11 install the finishing touches and the vehicle gate in the remote community of Calfa Village for the town kindergarten. Marine reserve civil affairs specialists and combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 travelled north to villages in the Topolog region to reach out and directly impact remote communities and local schools by building a school fence in Calfa village and passing out small donations to schools in Mandra, Cerbu, Luminata, and Margurele.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-04 15:46:00
As local children of Calfa village look on, Lance Cpl. John E. Fitzpatrick, and Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Dufrane, combat engineers, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, put on the finishing touches of a chain-link fence that will keep animals and unwanted visitors out while keeping students in the schoolyard of the local kindergarten. Marine reserve civil affairs specialists and combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 travelled north to villages in the Topolog region to reach out and directly impact remote communities and local schools by building a school fence in Calfa village and passing out small donations to schools in Mandra, Cerbu, Luminata, and Margurele.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-04 12:27:00
Sgt. Matthew A. Houle, combat engineer detachment chief, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, cuts lengths of steel that will hold up a much-needed fence for a local kindergarten of Calfa Village. Marine reserve civil affairs specialists and combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 travelled north to villages in the Topolog region to reach out and directly impact remote communities and local schools by building a school fence in Calfa village and passing out small donations to schools in Mandra, Cerbu, Luminata, and Margurele.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-04 12:06:00
In a small, forgotten village town of Calfa, Sgt. Stephen A. Allgire, combat engineer, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, wields the finishing touches on a gate that will be installed at the local kindergarten. Marine reserve civil affairs specialists and combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 travelled north to villages in the Topolog region to reach out and directly impact remote communities and local schools by building a school fence in Calfa village and passing out small donations to schools in Mandra, Cerbu, Luminata, and Margurele.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-04 09:19:00
Playing with newly-donated soccer balls , Gunnery Sgt. Giannina Pinedo, civil affairs chief, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, throws a ball to a kindergartner in Mandra, a small farming village far north of Constanta. Marine reserve civil affairs specialists and combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 travelled north to villages in the Topolog region to reach out and directly impact remote communities and local schools by building a school fence in Calfa village and passing out small donations to schools in Mandra, Cerbu, Luminata, and Margurele.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-04 09:26:00
During her demonstration of a military low-crawl with Gunnery Sgt. Giannina Pinedo, civil affairs chief, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Anastatia, a kindergartener in Mandra, is more intent on posing for her photographic close-up. Marine reserve civil affairs specialists and combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 travelled north to villages in the Topolog region to reach out and directly impact remote communities and local schools by building a school fence in Calfa village and passing out small donations to schools in Mandra, Cerbu, Luminata, and Margurele.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-05-04 09:05:00
In the small farming town of Mandra, approximately 108km north of Constanta, kindergartners watch Gunnery Sgt. Giannina Pinedo, civil affairs chief, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, while Roxanna Taranu, linguists, BSRF-11, interprets how to properly prepare a Meal Ready-to-Eat before they get a chance to taste it. Marine reserve civil affairs specialists and combat engineers of Black Sea Rotational Force 11 travelled north to villages in the Topolog region to reach out and directly impact remote communities and local schools by building a school fence in Calfa village and passing out small donations to schools in Mandra, Cerbu, Luminata, and Margurele.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-27 11:33:00
After an opening ceremony for Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Lt. Col. Nelson S. Cardella, the commanding officer for BSRF-11, answers inquiries from media. About 200 Romanian and U.S. Marines, along with Romanian and U.S. military officers, Romanian civilian leaders, and news media attended the opening ceremony on the recently built Mihail Kogalniceau Romanian Land Forces base here.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-27 11:12:00
Romanian and U.S. Marines stand in a combined troop formation at the position of attention during the opening ceremony for Black Sea Rotational Force 11. About 200 Romanian and U.S. Marines, along with Romanian and U.S. military officers, Romanian civili

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-27 11:23:00
In front of the combined Romanian and U.S. Marines troop formation, Maj. Todd M. Schunk, logistics officer, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, stands at parade rest during the opening ceremony for the five-month operation. About 200 Romanian and U.S. Marines, along with Romanian and U.S. military officers, Romanian civilian leaders, and news media attended the opening ceremony on the recently built Mihail Kogalniceau Romanian Land Forces base here.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-27 11:23:00
While Roxana C. Taranu, a linguists for Black Sea Rotational Force 11, interprets, Romanian Capt. Cristinel Uce, director of BSRF-11, addresses the combined U.S. and Romanian military formation at an opening ceremony for BSRF. About 200 Romanian and U.S. Marines, along with Romanian and U.S. military officers, Romanian civilian leaders, and news media attended the opening ceremony on the recently built Mihail Kogalniceau Romanian Land Forces base here.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-27 11:11:00
Romanian Father Dumitru Bostan blesses the U.S. and Romanian troops during the invocation to start the opening ceremony for Black Sea Rotational Force 11. About 200 Romanian and U.S. Marines, along with Romanian and U.S. military officers, Romanian civilian leaders, and news media attended the opening ceremony on the recently built Mihail Kogalniceau Romanian Land Forces base here.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-27 09:44:00
While standing in a combined troop formation of Romanian and U.S. Marines, a Romanian platoon sergeant reports accountability at an opening ceremony for Black Sea Rotational Force 11 on April 27. About 200 Romanian and U.S. Marines, along with Romanian and U.S. military officers, Romanian civilian leaders, and news media attended the opening ceremony on the recently built Mihail Kogalniceau Romanian Land Forces base here.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-27 09:44:00
The national colors of Romania and the United States of America are presented as the Romanian Navy band plays their national anthems at an opening ceremony for Black Sea Rotational Force 11 on April 27. About 200 Romanian and U.S. Marines, along with Romanian and U.S. military officers, Romanian civilian leaders, and news media attended the opening ceremony on the recently built Mihail Kogalniceau Romanian Land Forces base here.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-04-27 09:32:00
During a rehearsal for the Black Sea Rotational Force 11 Opening Ceremony, Sgt. John H. Hunter, radio operator, BSRF-11, coordinates and synchronizes movements for the American and Romanian colors that will be featured in the event. About 200 Romanian and U.S. Marines, along with Romanian and U.S. military officers, Romanian civilian leaders, and news media attended the opening ceremony on the recently built Mihail Kogalniceau Romanian Land Forces base here.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-03 00:00:00
Before starting a Visit, Boarding, Search and Seizure exercise, Lance Cpl. James A. Scarborough, a Marine attached to the Ground Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force-11, and Montevallo, Ala., native, along with other Marines of BSRF-11 work with Coastguardsmen, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter, San Diego, Calif., to prepare for the training. The VBSS training will aid the Marines in their deployment to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to help advise and build the military capacities of foreign host nations in over twelve Eastern European countries.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-03 00:00:00
During a Visit, Boarding, Search and Seizure exercise, Lance Cpl. Scott D. Tynan, of Albuquerque, N.M., and Marine riflemen attached to the Ground Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force-11, looks through the porthole of a U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat, while receiving support from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter, San Diego, Calif. The training will help the Marines in their upcoming deployment to advise and work with foreign militaries in over twelve Eastern European nations.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-03 00:00:00
Marines, attached to Black Sea Rotational Force-11, and Coast Guardsmen attached to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter, San Diego, Calif., hook a ladder to board the patrol boat, as part of their Visit, Boarding, Search and Seizure training. The VBSS training will help enhance the skills of Marines attached to the Ground Combat Element of BSRF-11, which is a Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force that will be performing security cooperation activities with foreign militaries in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-03 00:00:00
Extracting from the Coast Guard patrol boat, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter, Marines attached to Black Sea Rotational Force-11, receive Visit, Boarding, Search and Seizure training while working with Guardsmen attached to the USCGC Sea Otter, San Diego, Calif. The VBSS training will enhance the Marines’ training capacity when they advise foreign militaries on their upcoming deployment to Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-03 00:00:00
While receiving support from U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter, San Diego, Calif., Marines attached to Black Sea Rotational Force-11 receive training on boarding, search and seizure techniques of a vessel. The training was conducted in Oceanside, Calif., onboard the USCGC Sea Otter and will help the deploying Marines advise and increase the military capacity of foreign militaries in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-03 00:00:00
During a Visit, Boarding, Search and Seizure course, Lance Cpl. James A. Scarborough, a native of Montevallo, Ala., attached to Black Sea Rotational Force-11, rushes down the steps of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego, San Diego, Calif., to secure the ship in a training exercise in Oceanside, Calif. The Marines were selected from the Ground Combat Element to undergo training and work with the Coast Guard to learn new skills that will help them on their deployment to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-17 00:00:00
Installing wooden frames in a newly-excavated area, Lance Cpl. Chad M. Nicks, of Miland, Mich., and Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Dufrane, of Chicopee, Mass., engineers with the Black Sea Rotational Force 11, prepare an area of Camp Margarita for cement pouring as part of their community-improvement projects. The engineering team with BSRF-11 used these projects to help train, improve and standardize the skill sets of the Marines preparing to deploy to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-17 00:00:00
Quickly spreading cement as it flows out of the truck, Cpl. Steven W. Allgire, of Bowling Green, Ohio, Lance Cpl. Joshua A. Dewitt, from Lake Orion, Mich., and Lance Cpl. Kyle A. Dugas, a Plainfield, Conn., native, all combat engineers attached to the Black Sea Rotational Force 11, finish the last day of building new sidewalks at a high-traffic area on Camp Margarita. The Marines used the community-improvement projects to prepare and train their skills for their deployment to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions as well as boost the aesthetics and living conditions of 33 Area.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-17 00:00:00
Overlooking a high-traffic area of Camp Margarita, Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Dewitt, a combat engineer attached to the Black Sea Rotational Force 11, of Lake Orion, Mich., screeds the freshly-poured concrete over a newly-built sidewalk. The engineering team of BSRF-11 built sidewalks in specific locations for 33 Area to improve the community and provide aesthetics as well as train their skills for their deployment to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-17 00:00:00
With a bull float and careful technique, Capt. Charles A. Nassar, of Sterling Heights, Mich., and the officer-in-charge for the combat engineering detachment, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, spreads the freshly-poured concrete over what will be a new sidewalk for 33 Area's Camp Margarita. The engineers of BSRF-11 were training to hone their skills for future community-improvement projects, including building schools and fixing sidewalks, in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucuses regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-17 00:00:00
Matthew J. Houle, of Boston and the combat engineer platoon sergeant, Black Sea Rotational Force 11, saws a piece of lumber with a chop saw for a training project in 33 Area to build sidewalks to improve the community and aesthetics of Camp Margarita. The Marines took on the community-improvement projects to help prepare them for the work they will be doing in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions for community relations and peace-keeping operations during their deployment.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-17 00:00:00
Combat engineers with the Black Sea Rotational Force 11, prepare to pour concrete for a sidewalk by removing the soil from an area on Camp Margarita. The community-improvement projects were given to the Marines to help them standardize their skills and prepare them for their future tasks in the Black Sea, Caucasus and Balkan regions as part of a Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-17 00:00:00
Confirming measurements, Lance Cpl. Chad M. Nicks, of Miland, Mich., and Lance Cpl. Brett A. Harden, of McComb, Ohio, engineers with the Black Sea Rotational Force 11, prepare an area of Camp Margarita for cement pouring as part of their community-improvement projects. The engineering team with BSRF-11 used these projects to help train, improve and standardize the skill sets of the Marines preparing to deploy to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-17 00:00:00
As fresh cement flows out of a cement truck, Cpl. Steven W. Allgire, from Bowling Green, Ohio, and Lance Cpl. Kyle A. Dugas, a native of Plainfield, Conn., and combat engineers attached to the Black Sea Rotational Force 11, guide it to the ground to help complete a sidewalk project for 33 Area. The engineers of BSRF-11 took on projects to build new sidewalks for Camp Margarita to help prepare, improve and standardize their skill sets before their deployment to the Black Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-17 00:00:00
Smoothing the cement using a bull float, Sgt. Matthew J. Houle, from Boston, and a combat engineer with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, applies the finishing touches to freshly-poured cement to complete a sidewalk project at 33 Area's Camp Margarita. The projects were part of a training evolution to prepare the engineering team for their deployment to the Black Sea region, Caucasus and Balkan regions, where they will use their skills to complete community relations projects and peace-keeping operations.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-03-17 00:00:00
Emptying a load of dirt, Lance Cpl. Joshua T. Burleson, a combat engineer with Black Sea Rotational Force 11, from East Pointe, Mich., operates a Bobcat skid steer to help excavate an area for a new sidewalk in 33 Area. The engineers built a series of concrete sidewalks at Camp Margarita to develop and standardize skills they will need for their deployment to the Black Sea, Caucasus and Balkan regions, as well as to help complete much-needed projects in the community.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-03-08 07:09:00
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent leads the Marines of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa in an exercise outside their Headquarters Building, March 8. Kent participated in a motivational run with all the enlisted Marines and after the run he led the Marines in several exercises.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-03-07 11:43:00
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent jokes with the Marines of Marine Forces Europe and Africa outside their Headquarters Building, March 7. Kent stressed that the Marines in Germany were living examples of how a small amount of Marines are able to do great things. He reassured the Marines that there will not be any cuts to the size of the Marine Corps until combat operations in Afghanistan are finished, and even then they will not affect them.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-03-08 06:59:00
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent runs with the Marines of Marine Forces Europe and Africa, March 8. Sergeant Fernando Iribe, customer service and temporary assigned duty non-commissioned officer with MarForEur, had the honor of leading the run and carrying his unit’s colors. “Being able to lead the run with Sgt. Maj. Kent was definitely motivating, and it’s a story I can pass on to my junior Marines, friends and family,” said Iribe. “Leading a run with the sergeant major of the Marine Corps and carrying the guidon is an honor and a privilege that few Marines get to experience during their career in the Marine Corps, and I’m really appreciative that I got the opportunity.”

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-03-07 11:19:00
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent inspires the Marines of Marine Forces Europe and Africa outside their Headquarters Building, March 7. “You’re doing great things out here,” Kent told the assembled Marines. “You’re doing things that units with thousands of Marines don’t do. I talk with the commandant about MarForEur and MarForAf, and nothing but positive things come out of the conversations.”

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-03-08 12:42:00
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent says a few words after receiving a plaque from the Marines, sailors and civilians serving at U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa. The 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps might have been a long way from the United States, but he didn’t feel far from home visiting with the Marines, having served as the sergeant major of Marine Forces Europe and Africa from 2001 to 2004. The plaque was crafted from wood the command brought back from Belleau Wood, the scene of a fierce battle in France between U.S. Marines and German forces during World War I.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-03-08 12:40:00
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent is honored by Marine Forces Europe with a plaque detailing his service. The plaque was mounted on a piece of lumber from Belleau Wood, France, a very historical place for Marines. The French woods are where they attacked German lines in World War I and earned the title Teufel Hunden, German for Devil Dog.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-03-04 16:12:00
Sgt. Jordan Eads, the orders chief with Marine Forces Europe, snowboards in the Austrian Alps. Marine Forces Europe's Single Marine Program organized and executed a successful ski trip to St. Anton, March 4.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-03-04 15:14:00
Marines who participated in Marine Forces Europe’s Single Marine Program trip to St. Anton in the Austrian Alps stand with their snowboards outside the Base Camp restaurant at the bottom of the mountain.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-03-04 13:34:00
Marines with Marine Forces Europe ride up the ski lift in St. Anton in the Austrian Alps, March 4. The Marines were taking part in MarForEur's Single Marine Program's successful ski and snowboard trip.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-03-04 12:03:00
Sgt. Tyson Ager, a personnel clerk with Marine Forces Europe, instructs fellow Marines on how to properly snowboard on the at St. Anton in the Austrian Alps, March 4. Ager worked closely with Master Gunnery Sgt. Frank N. Bales, the family readiness officer with MarForEur, to ensure the Single Marine Program sponsored ski and snowboard trip was a great success.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan
Date: 2011-03-04 13:29:00
Sgt. Jordan Eads, the orders chief with Marine Forces Europe, snowboards in the Austrian Alps. Marine Forces Europe's Single Marine Program organized and executed a successful ski trip to St. Anton, March 4.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: USMC Photo
Date: 2011-02-17 00:00:00
Marines move equipment that is earmarked to support Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Bjugn, Norway. Under the guidance of Marine Forces Europe, Marines with Marine Forces Reserve are utilizing equipment sets in Norway to save tremendously on transportation costs.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: USMC Photo
Date: 2011-02-17 00:00:00
Personnel from Marine Forces Reserve examine equipment that is earmarked to support Black Sea Rotational Force 11, Bjugn, Norway, during an inspection. The Marines will deploy to Romania and support security cooperation missions throughout the Black Sea region from April through September.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-02-19 16:22:00
A Georgian soldier assigned to the 33rd Light Infantry Battalion talks to an exercise role-player during a training patrol at the Joint Multinational Training Center, here. The soldier is participating in the Georgia Deployment Program- Mission Readiness Exercise, where a majority of the Marines serving as observer/controllers were from 3rd Bn, 7th Marine Regiment, mentoring the 33rd LIB before they head to Afghanistan this spring.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-02-19 16:26:00
A Georgian soldier assigned to the 33rd Light Infantry Battalion watches two Afghani role-players during a training patrol at the Joint Multinational Training Center, here. The soldier is participating in the Georgia Deployment Program- Mission Readiness Exercise, where a majority of the Marines serving as observer/controllers were from 3rd Bn, 7th Marine Regiment, mentoring the 33rd LIB before they head to Afghanistan this spring.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-02-17 16:25:00
A Georgian soldier assigned to the 33rd Light Infantry Battalion provides security during a training patrol at the Joint Multinational Training Center, here. The soldier is participating in the Georgia Deployment Program- Mission Readiness Exercise, where a majority of the Marines serving as observer/controllers were from 3rd Bn, 7th Marine Regiment, mentoring the 33rd LIB before they head to Afghanistan this spring.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-02-17 15:07:00
Georgian soldiers assigned to the 33rd Light Infantry Battalion orient their maps and check their gear prior to stepping off on a training patrol at the Joint Multinational Training Center, here. The soldiers are participating in the Georgia Deployment Program- Mission Readiness Exercise, where a majority of the Marines serving as observer/controllers were from 3rd Bn, 7th Marine Regiment, mentoring the 33rd LIB before they head to Afghanistan this spring.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-02-16 11:22:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia’s 33rd Light Infantry Battalion prepare a terrain model prior to a mechanized live-fire drill. These soldiers are currently deployed here from Georgia conducting a mission rehearsal exercise as part of the Georgia Deployment Program- International Security Assistance Force (GDP-I) prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. The GDP-I is a two-year, time-phased, program which prepares four battalions, one every six months, to be able to integrate with ISAF in Afghanistan. The 33rd Light Infantry Battalion is scheduled to replace the 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, which is currently deployed and partnered with other ISAF units.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-02-16 11:21:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia’s 33rd Light Infantry Battalion prepare a terrain model prior to a mechanized live-fire drill. These soldiers are currently deployed here from Georgia conducting a mission rehearsal exercise as part of the Georgia Deployment Program- International Security Assistance Force (GDP-I) prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. The GDP-I is a two-year, time-phased, program which prepares four battalions, one every six months, to be able to integrate with ISAF in Afghanistan. The 33rd Light Infantry Battalion is scheduled to replace the 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, which is currently deployed and partnered with other ISAF units.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-02-16 11:15:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia’s 33rd Light Infantry Battalion prepare a terrain model prior to a mechanized live-fire drill. These soldiers are currently deployed here from Georgia conducting a mission rehearsal exercise as part of the Georgia Deployment Program- International Security Assistance Force (GDP-I) prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. The GDP-I is a two-year, time-phased, program which prepares four battalions, one every six months, to be able to integrate with ISAF in Afghanistan. The 33rd Light Infantry Battalion is scheduled to replace the 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, which is currently deployed and partnered with other ISAF units.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2011-02-16 11:15:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia’s 33rd Light Infantry Battalion gather rocks to use in a terrain model prior to a mechanized live-fire drill. These soldiers are currently deployed here from Georgia conducting a mission rehearsal exercise as part of the Georgia Deployment Program- International Security Assistance Force (GDP-I) prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. The GDP-I is a two-year, time-phased, program which prepares four battalions, one every six months, to be able to integrate with ISAF in Afghanistan. The 33rd Light Infantry Battalion is scheduled to replace the 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, which is currently deployed and partnered with other ISAF units.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-01-27 22:38:00
Finished with a failure-to-stop drill, Sgt. Jeff R. Kunkel, a squad leader for the ground combat element, Black Sea Rotational Force-11, Camp Pendleton, Calif., waits for instructions for the combat marksmanship instructors. Over 100 reserve Marines from across the nation began their pre-deployment training here, including cultural awareness and military advising training, in preparation for the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force deploying to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-01-27 04:14:00
Marines with the ground combat element, Black Sea Rotational Force-11, Camp Pendleton, Calif., shoot-on-the-move for Table 4 drills of the Combat Marksmanship Program. The BSRF-11 is a Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force that will be deploying to the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions and will mark the second time in history Marines have stepped foot on that region of the world.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-01-27 03:34:00
Lined up and ready to fire, Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Irish, a rifleman with the Black Sea Rotational Force-11, Camp Pendleton, Calif., prepares to fire Table 3 drills of the Combat Marksmanship Program. The Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force is slated to deploy in a few months to the Black Sea region to engage, advise and build military capacities of foreign host nations.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-01-27 20:20:00
While training with the ground combat element, Lance Cpl. Austin T. Woods, a rifleman with Black Sea Rotational Force-11, Camp Pendleton, shoots Table 3 drills for the Combat Marksmanship Program. In addition to marksmanship, the Special Purpose Marine Air ground Task Force will receive training in urban warfare, convoy operations and cultural awareness in preparation to advise foreign militaries in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Cpl. Tatum Vayavananda
Date: 2011-01-27 03:44:00
While on the range with Marines from Black Sea Rotational Force-11, Camp Pendleton, Calif., Maj. Selden B. Hale, the Ground Combat Element commander and Gunnery Sgt. Daniel A. Devine, the GCE executive officer prepare to shoot a Table 3 drill for the Combat Marksmanship Program. BSRF-11, a Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force composed of Marine reservist from across the nation, are slated to deploy to the Black Sea Region to build partnerships with nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-02-06 19:47:00
Stuttgart Marine Corps Spouses, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and USO volunteers serve pizza, sodas and homemade desserts to wounded warriors at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center USO Super Bowl party. The Stuttgart Marine Corps Spouses are comprised of spouses from U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Africa and other Stuttgart area Marines. The USO Super Bowl party afforded wounded warriors the opportunity to get out of the hospital for a little while and take part in the long-standing tradition of watching the most anticipated game of the season even though they are many miles from home.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2011-02-06 20:54:00
Volunteers from the Stuttgart Marine Corps Spouses, Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center USO, Marines from the Marine Corps Liaison Detachment Landstuhl and hospital staff pose for a group photo during the Landstuhl USO Super Bowl Party. The Stuttgart Marine Corps Spouses and Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund volunteers made the 130-mile trek from Stuttgart to Landstuhl to serve pizza, sodas and homemade desserts to wounded warriors while they waited for the big game to start.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2010-11-10 21:12:00
Sgt.Maj. Ronald Green, sergeant major for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa eats lunch and talks with injured Marines during a visit to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Sgt.Maj. Green accompanied Col. Adam J. Copp, chief of staff for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe who served as the guest of honor at the 235th Marine Corps Birthday ceremony. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe Marines travelled from Stuttgart to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday with wounded Marines and Marines serving at the Marine Corps Liaison Det.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2010-11-10 21:15:00
Colonel Adam J. Copp, chief of staff for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe eats lunch and talks with injured Marines during a visit to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Copp was the guest of honor for the 235th Marine Corps Birthday ceremony and was accompanied by Sgt.Maj. Ronald Green, sergeant major for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2010-11-11 00:20:00
The oldest Marine present, Cpl. Truman Goodwin and the youngest Marine, Sgt. Christine Bloomfield, adjutant clerk for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe accept a piece of cake from Col. Adam J. Copp, chief of staff for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe. Cpl. Goodwin served in the Marine Corps from January 1955 to January 1961. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe Marines travelled from Stuttgart to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday with wounded Marines and Marines serving at the Marine Corps Liaison Det.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Matt Lyman
Date: 2010-11-10 23:53:00
Marines serving with the Marine Corps Liaison Detachment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center stand by to act as the detail for the traditional Marine Corps Birthday celebration as Col. Adam J. Copp , chief of staff for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Lt. Col. William Branch, office in charge of Marine Corps Liaison Det. At Landstuhl Regional Medical Center look on. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe Marines travelled from Stuttgart to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday with wounded Marines and Marines serving at the Marine Corps Liaison Det.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 21:26:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion stand in formation during a pre-deployment ceremony. The 32nd LIB is the second of four battalions to train alongside American mentors from U.S. Marine Forces Europe, and to deploy in support of NATO International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 21:28:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion parade their battle colors in front of the Battalion during a pre-deployment ceremony. The 32nd LIB is the second of four battalions to train alongside American mentors from U.S. Marine Forces Europe, and to deploy in support of NATO International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 21:39:00
A priest blesses troops during a pre-deployment ceremony for the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. The ceremony marks the start of the first deployment for the second Georgian battalion moving to Afghanistan to fight alongside their NATO International Security Assistance Force counterparts.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 21:30:00
Standing before the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, deputy commander of U.S. Marine Forces Europe, delivers remarks. Brier spoke to the 32nd LIB during a pre-deployment ceremony. The Battalion will deploy to Afghanistan in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Forces.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 21:43:00
Priests anoint troops with oil during a pre-deployment ceremony for Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. The 32nd LIB will be deploying to Afghanistan in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Forces. They will replace their counterparts, the 31st LIB.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 21:45:00
John R. Bass, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Georgia, greets U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, deputy commander for U.S. Marine Forces Europe, after a pre-deployment ceremony for Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. The Battalion, which was trained by U.S. Marines, will deploy to Afghanistan in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Forces.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 21:23:00
Military and government officials from the U.S. and the Republic of Georgia pay tribute during the Georgian national anthem during a pre-deployment ceremony for Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. The 32nd LIB will be deploying to Afghanistan in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Forces. They will replace their counterparts, the 31st LIB.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 21:45:00
John R. Bass, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Georgia, greets U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, deputy commander for U.S. Marine Forces Europe, after a pre-deployment ceremony for Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. The Battalion, which was trained by U.S. Marines, will deploy to Afghanistan in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Forces.,

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 22:45:00
John R. Bass, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Georgia, greets U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, deputy commander for U.S. Marine Forces Europe, after a pre-deployment ceremony for Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. The Battalion, which was trained by U.S. Marines, will deploy to Afghanistan in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Forces.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 22:43:00
Priests anoint troops with oil during a pre-deployment ceremony for Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. The 32nd LIB will be deploying to Afghanistan in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Forces. They will replace their counterparts, the 31st LIB.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 22:39:00
A priest blesses troops during a pre-deployment ceremony for the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. The ceremony marks the start of the first deployment for the second Georgian battalion moving to Afghanistan to fight alongside their NATO International Security Assistance Force counterparts.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 22:30:00
Standing before the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, deputy commander of U.S. Marine Forces Europe, delivers remarks. Brier spoke to the 32nd LIB during a pre-deployment ceremony. The Battalion will deploy to Afghanistan in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Forces.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 22:28:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion parade their battle colors in front of the Battalion during a pre-deployment ceremony. The 32nd LIB is the second of four battalions to train alongside American mentors from U.S. Marine Forces Europe, and to deploy in support of NATO International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 22:26:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion stand in formation during a pre-deployment ceremony. The 32nd LIB is the second of four battalions to train alongside American mentors from U.S. Marine Forces Europe, and to deploy in support of NATO International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-10-16 22:23:00
Military and government officials from the U.S. and the Republic of Georgia pay tribute during the Georgian national anthem during a pre-deployment ceremony for Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. The 32nd LIB will be deploying to Afghanistan in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Forces. They will replace their counterparts, the 31st LIB.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tim Chacon
Date: 2010-09-11 07:01:00
United States Marines, soldiers, airmen and representatives from several foreign countries participating in Combined Endeavor 2010 stand in formation during a September 11th remembrance ceremony, Sept. 11, 2010, in Grafenwoehr, Germany. Combined Endeavor 2010 is the world's largest communications interoperability exercise, preparing international forces' command, control, communications and computer systems for multinational operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Chacon)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Official
Date: 2008-08-07 02:34:00
Official

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-08-19 22:46:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion convoy to a mock forward operating base during the mission rehearsal exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here, Aug 19. The MRE serves as a final evaluation of the 32nd LIB as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Cpl. Cullen Tiernan
Date: 2010-08-19 21:15:00
U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. William Willis, operations chief with 6th Marine Regiment, ensures a solider with The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion is prepared for a convoy to a mock forward operating base during the mission rehearsal exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here, Aug 19. The MRE will serve as a final evaluation of the 32nd LIB as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Cpl. Cullen Tiernan
Date: 2010-08-18 23:17:00
A U.S. Marine with the Georgia Liaison Team attempts to learn the Georgian alphabet during downtime from a mission rehearsal exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here, Aug. 19. The Marines, along with their counterparts in the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, will have to communicate constantly while deployed together in Afghanistan. The MRE serves as a final evaluation of the 32nd LIB as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Cpl. Cullen Tiernan
Date: 2010-08-20 00:30:00
U.S. Marines with the Georgia Liaison Team work to learn the Geogrian alphabet from soldiers with the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion during a mission rehearsal exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here, Aug. 19. The Marines and Georgian soldiers will soon deploy together, and good communications are vital. The MRE will serve as a final evaluation of the 32nd LIB as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Cpl. Cullen Tiernan
Date: 2010-08-18 20:02:00
U.S. Marine Cpl. Troy Frantz, a forward observer with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liason Company, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, points to a Georgian artillery badge recently given him by a soldier with the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion during a mission rehearsal exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here, Aug. 19. The MRE will serve as a final evaluation of the 32nd LIB as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Cpl. Cullen Tiernan
Date: 2010-08-19 23:06:00
U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Daniel Schmitt, regimental executive officer with 6th Marine Regiment, reviews counter-insurgency principles with soldiers from the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion during a mission rehearsal exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here, Aug 19. The MRE will serve as a final evaluation of the 32nd LIB as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 15:49:00
Two Georgian soldiers inch their way to the rooftop of a building in a simulated Afghanistan village. The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion was conducting cordon searches during their situational training exercise (STX). The STX is the first part of the mission rehearsal exercise, a final evaluation of the 32nd Battalion as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 15:26:00
A Georgian soldiers evacuates non-hostile civilian from a building in a simulated Afghanistan village at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here. The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion was conducting cordon searches during their situational training exercise (STX). The STX is the first part of the mission rehearsal exercise, a final evaluation of the 32nd Battalion as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 15:43:00
Republic of Georgia Army 2nd Lt. Besik Kapanadze {CENTER}, 3rd Platoon leader, "B" Company, 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, discusses the situational training exercise (STX) with an observer/controller with the Joint Multinational Readiness Center. The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion was conducting cordon searches during their STX training. The STX is the first part of the mission rehearsal exercise, a final evaluation of the 32nd Battalion as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 15:21:00
Two Georgian soldiers capture a potential high-value-target individual in a building in a simulated Afghanistan village at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here during their situational training exercise. The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion is the second of four battalions to undergo training through the Georgia Deployment Program, a Marine Corps-led initiative designed to prepare the Georgians for their upcoming Afghanistan deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 15:22:00
Two Georgian soldiers search a potential high-value-target individual in a building in a simulated Afghanistan village at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here. The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion was conducting cordon searches during their situational training exercise (STX). The STX is the first part of the mission rehearsal exercise, a final evaluation of the 32nd Battalion as they prepare for their deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 15:18:00
A group of Georgian soldiers search a non-descript building for an Improvised Explosive Device factory in a simulated Afghanistan village at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here during their situational training exercise. The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion is the second of four battalions to undergo training through the Georgia Deployment Program, a Marine Corps-led initiative designed to prepare the Georgians for their upcoming Afghanistan deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 15:18:00
A group of Georgian soldiers search a non-descript building for an Improvised Explosive Device factory in a simulated Afghanistan village at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here during their situational training exercise. The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion is the second of four battalions to undergo training through the Georgia Deployment Program, a Marine Corps-led initiative designed to prepare the Georgians for their upcoming Afghanistan deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 14:52:00
Master Sgt. Hector Reyes {LEFT}, team chief, Georgia Liaison Team, and Sgt. Christopher Holm examine the rooftop of a building in a simulated Afghanistan village. Both Marines are with 2d Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and are assisting with training the Georgian 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. The 32nd Light Infantry Battalion is the second of four battalions to undergo training through the Georgia Deployment Program, a Marine Corps-led initiative designed to prepare the Georgians for their upcoming Afghanistan deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 15:11:00
Observer/controllers with the Army and the Marine Corps, along with Georgian Military instructors serving as O/Cs, work together to assess the Georgian soldiers during the situational training exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here. The Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion is the second of four battalions to undergo training through the Georgia Deployment Program, a Marine Corps-led initiative designed to prepare the Georgians for their upcoming Afghanistan deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 13:57:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion stand-by prior to conducting a cordon search of a simulated Afghanistan village during the situational training exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here. The 32nd Light Infantry Battalion is the second of four battalions to undergo training through the Georgia Deployment Program, a Marine Corps-led initiative designed to prepare the Georgians for their upcoming Afghanistan deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 14:32:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion approach a simulated Afghanistan village during the situational training exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here. The 32nd Light Infantry Battalion began a two-week training evolution that will serve as a final mission evaluation for their upcoming Afghanistan deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Master Sgt. Grady T. Fontana
Date: 2010-08-11 13:54:00
Soldiers with the Republic of Georgia's 32nd Light Infantry Battalion receive their orders prior to a cordon search of a simulated Afghanistan village during the situational training exercise at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here. The 32nd Light Infantry Battalion is the second of four battalions to undergo training through the Georgia Deployment Program, a Marine Corps-led initiative designed to prepare the Georgians for their upcoming Afghanistan deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces there.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Photolab, Panzer Kaserne
Date: 2009-07-13 09:40:00
Chief of Staff, MARFOREUR

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Lawree Roscoe Washington Jr.
Date: 2010-06-10 16:13:00
Black Sea Rotational Force 2010 was the first Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force to deploy to Eastern Europe. Composed of Marines and Sailors from 1st Tank Battalion, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadrons 234 and 452, 4th Civil Affairs Group and other U.S. and Europe-based units, the task force deployed from May through July to Romania, Bulgaria and several other countries in the region with the mission to promote regional stability, bolster partner nations' military capabalities and build enduring partnerships.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-09 14:59:00
Lt. Col. Tom Gordon, the commander of Black Sea Rotational Force, speaks to an attendee of the seven-nation military logistics symposium in Constanta, Romania, July 9. Military logistics is the skill of moving and maintaining military forces, and over the course of the three-day conference representatives from each nation provided insight on how their military forces utilizes this discipline.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-09 11:42:00
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stephen Rose, the deputy division chief of NATO coalition support for the U.S. European Command, speaks about the importance of multi-national efforts in Europe at a seven-nation military logistics symposium in Constanta, Romania, July 9. “The big goal is building partnerships," said Rose. "When people come together, you see it – people are learning, and people are working, together.”

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-09 11:41:00
Romanian Land Forces Lt. Col. Paul Moglan, the battalion commander for the 341st Infantry Battalion, listens to a brief on the importance of multi-national efforts in Europe at a seven-nation military logistics symposium in Constanta, Romania, July 9. “It’s extremely important to create these kinds of relationships and understand our capabilities," said Moglan. "It’s a bilateral effort, and we have to work shoulder to shoulder.”

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-09 11:18:00
Lt. Col. Kenneth Oldham, the assistant chief of staff for logistics for Marine Corps Forces Europe, listens to a brief at a seven-nation military logistics symposium in Constanta, Romania, July 9. .S. Marines deployed to Eastern Europe for Black Sea Rotational Force partnered with Romanian Land, Air and Naval forces to host the symposium, attended by military officials from Bosnia, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and the United States.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-09 10:52:00
Eric Gustafson, the strategic movement officer for Marine Corps Forces Europe, discusses Marine Corps logistics with a Bulgarian army colonel and a seven-nation military logistics symposium in Constanta, Romania, July 9.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-08 13:38:00
James B. Warlick Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria, enjoys lunch with Lt. Col Tom Gordon, the commander of Black Sea Rotational Force at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 8. The ambassador visited the training are to view the final day of a peacekeeping operations course conducted by U.S. Marines and Bulgarian soldiers.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-08 13:28:00
James B. Warlick Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria, choose among the different varities of Meals, Ready-to-Eat, during his visit to Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 8. The ambassador traveled from the nation's capital in Sofia to the training area, to watch the final day of a two-week peacekeeping opreations course conducted by U.S. Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force and Bulgarian soldiers.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-08 12:34:00
1st Lt. Marc Tucker, the platoon commander for scout platoon, 1st Tank Battalion, describes the riot-control portion of a situational training exercise conducted by U.S. Marines and Bulgarian soldiers, to James B. Warlick Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria, at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 8.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-08 13:02:00
Bulgarian soldiers load a simulated enemy into a situation training exercise concluding a two-week training exercise they conducted with U.S. Marines at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 8. James B. Warlick Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria, traveled from the nation's capital of Sofia to Novo Selo to see the training.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-08 12:56:00
Sgt. Shane Cell, a squad leader with scout platoon, 1st Tank Battalion, describes military operations on urban terrain to James B. Warlick Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Bulgaria, during a situational training exercise concluding a two-week peacekeeping operations course conducted by U.S. Marines and Bulgarian soldiers at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 8.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-08 13:00:00
Bulgarian soldiers with 38th Infantry Bn., 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, conduct military operations on urban terrain during a situational training exercise concluding a two-week peacekeeping operations course with U.S. Marines and Sailors from Black Sea Rotational Force at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 8.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-07 13:32:00
Cpl. Eric Franco, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, fires a Rocket-Propelled Grenade-7 during a live-fire exercise with Bulgarian army soldiers at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 7. Franco, a Wichita Falls, Texas, native, and his fellow Marines had the opportunity to fire three rounds during the exercise.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-07 09:19:00
A Bulgarian army soldier with 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, loads rounds into an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun with the help of Sgt. Shane Cell, a section leader with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Bn., during a live-fire exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 7. The Marines also had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Rocket-Propelled Grenade-7.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-07 09:17:00
A Bulgarian army soldier with 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, fires an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun with the help of Sgt. Shane Cell, a section leader with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Bn., during a live-fire exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 7. The Marines also had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Rocket-Propelled Grenade-7.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-07 13:01:00
Bulgarian army soldiers with 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, demonstrate the proper steps to take before firing a Rocket-Propelled Grenade-7 during a live-fire exercise with the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Bn., at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 7. The training was part of the final peacekeeping operation of the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force, Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-07 09:09:00
A Bulgarian army soldier with 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, fires an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun during a live-fire exercise with the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Bn., at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 7. The soldiers have spent the past two weeks honing their combat skills as part of the final peacekeeping operation of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-07 08:30:00
Bulgarian army soldiers with 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, had the opportunity to fire M2 .50-caliber heavy machine guns with the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Bn., at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 7. The soldiers have spent the past two weeks honing their combat skills as part of the final peacekeeping operation of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-07 08:14:00
Marines with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, prepare an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun for a live-fire training exercise with Bulgarian army soldiers with 38th Infantry Bn., 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 7. The Marines also had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Rocket-Propelled Grenade-7.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff. Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-05 11:53:00
U.S. Marines and Bulgarian soldiers delivered donated toys to St. Marina orphanage, a home for special needs children in Medven, Bulgaria, July 5.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff. Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-05 00:00:00
Lt. Col. Tom Gordon, the commander of Black Sea Rotational Force, helps children look through a box of donated toys at St. Marina, a home for special needs children in Medven, Bulgaria, July 5.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-05 11:35:00
An administrator at St. Marina, an orphanage for special needs children in Medven, Bulgaria, directs Cpl. Mark C. Davis II, where she would like him to place a piece donated furniture, July 5. Marines deployed to Bulgaria for Black Sea Rotational Force partnered with Bulgarian soldiers to deliver toys and furniture to the orphanage.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff. Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-05 11:34:00
A U.S. Marine and Bulgarian soldier, left, bring donated furniture in to a home for special needs children in Medven, Bulgaria, July 5. St. Marina is an orphanage located less than 15 miles from Novo Selo Training Area, where the Marines of Black Sea Rotational Force have been working and living in partnership with the Bulgarian troops.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-05 11:24:00
Cpl. Mark C. Davis II, left, and Bulgarian army Pvt. Stoycho Manev carry a box of donated toys to the St. Marina orphanage in Medven, Bulgaria, July 5. Davis is the data systems chief for Black Sea Rotational Force Marines at Novo Selo Training Area, and Manev is a soldier with the 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-05 11:24:00
Cpl. Mark C. Davis II, left, and Bulgarian army Pvt. Stoycho Manev carry a box of donated toys to the St. Marina orphanage in Medven, Bulgaria, July 5. Davis is the data systems chief for Black Sea Rotational Force Marines at Novo Selo Training Area, and Manev is a soldier with the 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-05 11:08:00
A girl under the care of St. Marina orphanage, a home for special needs children, watches as U.S. Marines and Bulgarian soldiers unload donated toys and furniture to her home in Medven, Bulgaria, July 5.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-05 11:06:00
Cpl. Delshan Martinez, a vehicle operator with 1st Tank Battalion, ground guides a 7-ton truck carrying donated toys and furniture to an orphanage in Medven, Bulgaria, July 5.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. Matt Brandon
Date: 2010-07-05 03:09:00
Cpl. William Doran, a food service specialist with 1st Tank Battalion, holds a young girl who is under the care of St. Marina orphanage, a special needs home in Medven, Bulgaria, July 5. Marines deployed for Black Sea Rotational Force and Bulgarian soldiers delivered donated toys and furniture to the orhanage.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-02 09:30:00
A Bulgarian soldier with the 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry brigade, fires on the combat marksmanship range, July 2. Bulgarian soldiers will train with U.S. Marines and Sailors for two weeks, honing their skills in peacekeeping operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-02 08:06:00
Cpl. Eric Franco, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Support Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates combat marksmanship techniques to Bulgarian soldiers, July 2.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-03 17:05:00
Cpl. Aaron Schmidt with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, paints a room at a medical treatment facility in Zheravna, Bulgaria, July 3. Schmidt was joined by dozens of U.S. Marines and Sailors and Bulgarian soldiers in working on the facility.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-04 15:29:00
Sgt. Maj. Conrad Potts grills steaks for U.S. Marines, Sailors and Bulgarian soldiers training at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 4. Potts is the sergeant major of the Black Sea Rotational Force Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-04 15:28:00
Gunnery Sgt. Derek Hart, left, and Sgt. Maj. Conrad Potts, grill steaks for U.S. Marines, Sailors and Bulgarian soldiers training at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 4. Hart is the platoon sergeant for scout platoon, Headquarters and Support Company, 1st Tank Battalion, and Potts is the sergeant major of the Black Sea Rotational Force Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-04 12:54:00
U.S. Marines and Bulgarian soldiers play soccer at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 4. The Marines and Bulgarian soldiers spent America's Independence Day participating in athletic events and enjoying a traditional American barbecue.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-04 12:07:00
U.S. Marines and Bulgarian soldiers play soccer at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 4. The Marines and Bulgarian soldiers spent America's Independence Day participating in athletic events and enjoying a traditional American barbecue.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-03 18:01:00
Cpl. Matt Brandon, left, the chaplain's assistant for Black Sea Rotational Force, works with a Bulgarian soldier to paint a room at a medical treatment facility in Zheravna, Bulgaria, July 3.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-07-03 13:18:00
Sgt. Ricardo Sotelo, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Support Company, 1st Tank Battalion, takes a rest during a project refurbishing a medical treatment facility in Zheravna, Bulgaria, July 3. Sotelo was joined by dozens of U.S. Marines and Sailors and Bulgarian soldiers in working on the facility.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-07-02 13:34:00
Lance Cpl. Jesse Watson, left, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Support Company, 1st Tank Battalion, trains with a Bulgarian soldier in using nonlethal ammunition in a Mossberg shotgun at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, July 2. Bulgarian soldiers and U.S. Marines have been living and training together in peacekeeping operations since June 27.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-29 22:19:00
Bulgarian soldiers with 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, make their way through a night vision goggles familiarization course at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, June 29. The Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Bn., have constructed an intense training schedule covering a wide variety of topics including combat marksmanship, nonlethal weapons, an introduction to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and convoy operations for the final peacekeeping operation of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-29 21:57:00
Bulgarian soldiers with 38th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, make their way through a night vision goggles familiarization course at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, June 29. The Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Bn., have constructed an intense training schedule covering a wide variety of topics including combat marksmanship, nonlethal weapons, an introduction to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and convoy operations for the final peacekeeping operation of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-29 21:45:00
Cpl. Devin Bullard, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, adjusts a pair of night vision goggles during an NVG familiarization exercise with Bulgarian soldiers with 38th Infantry Bn., 2nd Light Infantry Brigade, at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, June 29. The Marines and Sailors of 1st Tank Bn., have spent the past two months partnering with 12 nations throughout the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to promote regional stability, build relations with partner nations and build partner nations’ military capabilities.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-29 13:15:00
Lance Cpl. Jesse Watson, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates a combat marksmanship stance to Bulgarian army soldiers during a class at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, June 29. The Marines have constructed an intense training schedule covering a wide variety of topics including combat marksmanship, nonlethal weapons, an introduction to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and convoy operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-22 15:30:00
More than 20 Marines and Sailors deployed to Romania assisted in refurbishing a playground at a home for HIV-positive teens and children, June 19-22. Sailors from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7's detachment to Romania and Marines and Sailors from Black Sea Rotational Force all pitched in to help.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-22 15:06:00
Lt. Col. Tom Gordon, the commander of Black Sea Rotational Force holds a young girl who is under the care of Casa Speranta in Constanta, Romania, June 22. Casa Speranta provides family-like care for HIV-positive children and teens.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-22 15:58:00
Maj. David W. VanHoof, the civil and military affairs officer for Black Sea Rotational Force, plays with a girl kept under the care of Casa Speranta, a home for HIV-positive children and teens in Constanta, Romania, June 22.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-22 15:24:00
Petty officer 1st Class Jason Fletcher, from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7's detachment to Romania, hugs Elena Cismasu, the administrator for Casa Speranta, a home for HIV-positive teens and children in Constanta, Romania, June 22, at a brief ceremony celebrating the completion of the refurbished playground for the home.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-22 15:23:00
Petty Officer 2nd Class Dakari Elder, a constructin electrician with Naval Mobile Costruction Battalion 7's detachment to Romania, watches as a young boy from Casa Speranta plays with a frisbee in Constanta, Romania, June 22.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-22 15:16:00
Gunnery Sgt. Thurman Cowan, the civil and military affairs chief for Black Sea Rotational Force, thanks Marines and Sailors who helped rebuild a playground at a home for HIV-positive children and teens in Constanta, Romania, June 22.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-21 14:34:00
Cpl. Matt Brandon, the chaplain's assistant for Black Sea Rotational Force, paints a playground at Casa Speranta, a home for HIV-positive teens and children in Constanta, Romania, June 21. More than 20 Marines and Sailors volunteered to help rebuild the playground which Casa Speranta staff said had become unusable.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-21 13:03:00
Cpl. Marcus Alan O’Hair, a motor transport operator with 1st Tank Battalion, hammers in guardrails for a playground at Casa Speranta, a home for HIV-positive children and teens in Constanta, Romania, June 21. O'hair, a native of Cullan, Ala., said he felt working on the playground helped broaden his horizons and gave him a new appreciation of Romania.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-21 12:56:00
Seaman Andrew Shouneiya, a corpsman with 1st Tank Battalion, paints a playground at a home for HIV-positive children and teens in Constanta, Romania, June 21.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-21 12:53:00
Lance Cpl. Rory McCahan, a radio operator with 1st Tank Battalion, paints a playground at a home for HIV-positive children in Constanta, Romania, June 21.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-21 12:52:00
Lance Cpl. James Pavloff, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialist with 1st Tank Battalion paints a playground at a home for HIV-positive children in Constanta, Romania, June 21. Pavloff was one of about 20 Marines and Sailors deployed to Romania who volunteered to help refurbish the playground.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-19 13:38:00
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffrey Walter, a utilitiesman with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7's Romania detachment, removes bolts from a slide during a playground refurbishment project in Constanta, Romania, June 19.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-19 13:32:00
Cpl. Eric Franco, an assaultman from 1st Tank Battalion's scout platoon, works with U.S. Navy SeaBees to remove damaged wood from a playground in Constanta, Romania, June 19. Scout platoon forms part of the ground combat element for Black Sea Rotational Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-19 12:49:00
Maj. David W. VanHoof, the civil and military affairs officer for Black Sea Rotational Force, removes damaged wood from a playground in Constanta, Romania, June 19. Marines and Sailors currently deployed to Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, volunteered to help rebuild the playground at a home for HIV-positive children and teens.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-24 14:34:00
A Romanian Navy band performs at the ceremony officially ending the deployment of Black Sea Rotational Force to Romania at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, Romania, June 24. Black Sea Rotational Force officially began its deployment, May 17, and will now move south to train with Bulgarian soldiers.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-24 14:01:00
Distinguished guests and staff including the U.S. ambassador to Romania, Mark Gitenstein, center, observe U.S., Romanian and Ukrainian troops at the ceremony officially ending the Black Sea Rotational Force deployment to Romania, June 24. U.S. Marines and Sailors participated in multiple peacekeeping operation training evolutions, military-to-military familiarizations, symposiums and community relations projects during their time in the Eastern European nation, and will now move to Bulgaria to continue their deployment.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-24 14:00:00
U.S. Marines, Ukrainian soldiers, and Romanian Marines and soldiers, present arms during the ceremony officially closing the deployment of Black Sea Rotational Force to Romania, June 24. More than 100 Marines and Sailors deployed to Romania in early May as the first Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force in the region.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-24 14:09:00
Lt. Col. Tom Gordon, the commander of Black Sea Rotational Force, speaks to the attendees of the ceremony officially closing the force's deployment to Romania, at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, Romania, June 24. “I would like to thank the Romanian people, so well represented by their Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, for their incredible hospitality,” said Lt. Col. Tom Gordon, the Black Sea Rotational Force commander in an address to senior U.S., Romanian and Ukrainian officials at the ceremony. “Since our arrival two months ago, my Marines and I have felt welcomed and have been afforded the opportunity to enjoy Romania’s rich culture, while completing a vitally important mission. “

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-24 14:00:00
U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Josiah Moreno salutes as the U.S., Ukrainian and Romanian national anthems play at the Black Sea Rotational Force closing ceremony at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, Romania, June 24. Moreno, the nonlethal weapons training staff noncommissioned officer in charge for Black Sea Rotational Force, is part of a force of more than 100 Marines who deployed to Romania with the mission of promoting regional stability, bolstering partner nations’ military capabilities and building partnerships in the region.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-16 08:22:00
Romanian Army soldiers with the 341st Battalion, make their way to a simulated landing zone during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program physical training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 16. The Romanians are training alongside the Marines and Sailors of 1st Tank Bn.’s scout platoon, as well as Ukrainian Army soldiers with the 30th Mechanized Infantry Brigade as part of the third peacekeeping operations training course of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-16 08:13:00
Romanian Army soldiers with the 341st Battalion, carry a simulated casualty to the landing zone during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program physical training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 16. The Romanians are training alongside the Marines and sailors of 1st Tank Bn.’s scout platoon, as well as Ukrainian Army soldiers with the 30th Mechanized Infantry Brigade as part of the third peacekeeping operation training course of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-16 08:02:00
Ukrainian Army soldiers with the 30th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, attack Marines with 1st Tank Battalion’s scout platoon during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program physical training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 16. The PT was designed to incorporate the MCMAP skills they have learned throughout the week.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-16 07:57:00
Ukrainian Army soldiers with the 30th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, attack Marines with 1st Tank Battalion’s scout platoon during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program physical training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 16. The PT was designed to incorporate the MCMAP skills they have learned throughout the week.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-16 07:33:00
From left, Cpl. Mitchell Staats, Sgt. Shane Cell, Cpl. Devin Bullard and Lance Cpl. Luis Castillo, all assaultmen with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, sprint to the next station of a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program physical training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 16. The Marines are training alongside Romanian and Ukrainian forces as the third peacekeeping operations training course of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010, the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force currently deployed to the Black Sea, Balkans and Caucasus regions to promote regional stability, build enduring partnerships with nations throughout the region, and to enhance partner nations’ military capabilities.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-16 07:29:00
Lance Cpl. Luis Castillo, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, strikes a pad held by Cpl. Devin Bullard, also an assaultman with scout platoon, during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program physical training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 16. The Marines are training alongside Romanian and Ukrainian forces in the third peacekeeping operation training course of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-15 09:50:00
Cpl. Eric Franco (right), an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates a counter strike during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 15. Throughout the two-week evolution, the Marines, Romanians and Ukrainians will sharpen their skills in combat and nonlethal operations including an introduction to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, convoy operations, patrolling, combat marksmanship, nonlethal weapons and munitions, and a wide variety of instruction encompassing the spectrum of military operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-15 09:15:00
Sgt. Pastushenko Roman (right), a Ukrainian Army soldier with the 30th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, practices his basic warrior stance during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training exercise with the Marines of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 15. The Marines are working with Romanian and Ukrainian forces to sharpen their skills in combat and nonlethal operations including an introduction to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, convoy operations, patrolling, combat marksmanship, nonlethal weapons and munitions, and a wide variety of instruction encompassing the spectrum of military operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-14 22:28:00
Lance Cpl. Mitch Sproull, a motor transportation operator with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates the “buzz saw” method to Ukrainian and Romanian Army soldiers during a night vision training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 14. The “buzz saw” is a checmical-light stick attached to a string and can be used to signal friendly forces.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-14 22:21:00
Lance Cpl. Joel Hindman (right), an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company 1st Tank Battalion, explains the purpose of the “buzz saw” method to Ukrainian soldiers with the 30th Mechanized Infantry Bn., during a night vision training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 14. The “buzz saw” is a checmical-light stick attached to a string and can be used to signal friendly forces.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-14 22:17:00
Ukrainian Army soldiers with the 30th Mechanized Infantry Brigade, navigate through a night vision goggles course during an exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 14. Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, are currently partnered alongside Romanian and Ukrainian soldiers at BTA as the third peacekeeping operation training course of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 16:00:00
The Honorable Michael C. Polt (right), U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, walks with Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, commander of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa, during a demonstration of a combined U.S./Estonian amphibious assault. The amphibious landing was part of a demonstration of the interoperability between the two forces as part of exercise Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 16:16:00
Estonian soldiers wade ashore during a combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing at a beach here. The combined training demonstration was part Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 16:17:00
Estonian soldiers and U.S. Marines advance on the beach during a combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing here. The combined training demonstration was part Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 16:16:00
Estonian soldiers and U.S. Marines wade ashore during a combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing at a beach here. The combined training demonstration was part Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 15:42:00
U.S. Marine infantrymen and amphibious assault vehicles from Special Purpose Marine Air/Ground Task Force African Partnership Station take up defensive positions during a demonstration of a combined U.S./Estonian amphibious landing. The combined training demonstration was part Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 16:01:00
Chief of Defense of Estonia Lt. Gen. Ants Laaneots (right) discusses the amphibious landing demonstrated by the U.S. Marines and Estonian soldiers with Lt. Col. John Golden, commanding officer of the Special Purpose Marine Air/Ground Task Force Africa Partnership Station. The combined training demonstration was part Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 16:15:00
U.S. Marines and Estonian soldiers wade ashore during a combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing at a beach here. The combined training demonstration was part Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 15:36:00
U.S. Marines amphibious assault vehicles embarked aboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) advance on the shore line during a combined U.S./Estonian amphibious landing. The combined operations was part of a demonstration of the interoperability between the two forces as part of exercise Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 15:36:00
U.S. Marines amphibious assault vehicles embarked aboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) come ashore during a combined U.S./Estonian amphibious landing. The combined operations was part of a demonstration of the interoperability between the two forces as part of exercise Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 15:38:00
Estonian soldiers emerge from a U.S. Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicle during a combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing at a beach here. The combined training demonstration was part Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-14 15:19:00
U.S. Marines amphibious assault vehicles head for the beach during a combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing at a beach here. The combined training demonstration was part Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 17:21:00
An Estonian resident takes a photo with Marine infantrymen from Special Purpose Marine Air/Ground Task Force African Partnership Station during a static display as part of exercise Baltic Operations 2010. Prior to the display, the Marines joined forces with soldiers from the Estonian Defense Force to demonstrate an amphibious landing on the beach here.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-15 15:19:00
Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves (left) receives a gift from Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, commander of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa, prior to the demonstration of a combined U.S./Estonian amphibious assault. The amphibious landing was part of a demonstration of the interoperability between the two forces as part of exercise Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-14 15:04:00
U.S. Marines amphibious assault vehicles head for the beach during a combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing at a beach here. The combined training demonstration was part Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-14 15:15:00
U.S. Marines amphibious assault vehicles head for the beach during a combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing at a beach here. The combined training demonstration was part Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-14 15:03:00
U.S. Marines amphibious assault vehicles embarked aboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) advance on the shore line during a combined U.S./Estonian amphibious landing. The combined operations was part of a demonstration of the interoperability between the two forces as part of exercise Baltic Operations 2010, an exercise designed to increase the interoperability of NATO and partner nations in the Baltic Sea region.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-14 15:01:00
U.S. Marines amphibious assault vehicles embarked aboard the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) depart the well deck during the start of a simulated amphibious assault. The combined U.S., Estonian amphibious landing was part of a demonstration of the interoperability between the two forces as part of exercise Baltic Operations 2010.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-10 20:17:00
Lt. Col. James C. McDonald (right), commanding officer of 4th Landing Support Battalion, provides Latvian and international media representatives with an overview of what the Navy and Marine Corps participants in exercise Baltic Operations 2010 are doing at the logistics support area here. Since the start the exercise on June 6th, the Marines and Sailors of 4th Landing Support Battalion and Naval Beach Group 2 have been working with members of the Armed Forces of Latvia to conduct maritime preposition force offload operations and other training both at sea, and ashore here.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-10 19:46:00
Latvian President Valdis Zatlers (in red on top of vehicle) rides a Light Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle through the beach entry access point constructed to aid maritime preposition force offload exercises and increase access to local recreation areas here. President Zatlers visited the Marines and Sailors of 4th Landing Support Battalion and Naval Beach Group 2, who have been working together with Latvian forces to conduct maritime preposition force offload operations and other training events here since the start of the exercise June 6.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-10 19:54:00
Latvian President Valdis Zatlers (in red on top of vehicle) rides a Light Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle that had moved ashore after being offloaded the USNS Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon, a maritime preposition force (MPF) ship, during a demonstration designed to highlight the types of training that have taken place during exercise Baltic Operations 2010. President Zatlers visited the Marines and Sailors of 4th Landing Support Battalion and Naval Beach Group 2, who have been working together with Latvian forces to conduct MPF offload operations and other training events here since the start of the exercise June 6.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-10 19:46:00
Latvian President Valdis Zatlers (in red on top of vehicle) rides a Light Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle through the beach entry access point constructed to aid maritime preposition force offload exercises and increase access to local recreation areas here. President Zatlers visited the Marines and Sailors of 4th Landing Support Battalion and Naval Beach Group 2, who have been working together with Latvian forces to conduct maritime preposition force offload operations and other training events here since the start of the exercise June 6.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-10 18:56:00
A member of the Latvian press films a demonstration of lift on/lift off operations from the side of the USNS Pfc. Eugene A. Obregon, a maritime preposition force (MPF) ship, during a demonstration designed to highlight the types of training that have taken place during exercise Baltic Operations 2010. The MPF offload operations demonstrated here make up one of the largest portions of exercise BALTOPS, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-10 18:08:00
Latvian President Valdis Zatlers delivers a speech prior to a distinguished visitor event at several sites around the exercise Baltic Operations 2010 training areas here. In his speech, President Zatlers praised the efforts of the Marines and Sailors of 4th Landing Support Battalion and Naval Beach Group 2, as well as members of the Armed Forces of Latvia, local port authorities, and Latvian contractors, who have been working together with U.S. forces to conduct maritime preposition force offload operations and other training events here since the start of the exercise June 6.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-10 18:06:00
Latvian President Valdis Zatlers (left) walks with Maj. Gen. (sel.) Tracy L. Garrett, commanding general of the 4th Marine Logistics Group, prior to a distinguished visitor event at several sites around the exercise Baltic Operations 2010 training areas. Since the start the exercise on June 6th, the Marines and Sailors of 4th Landing Support Battalion and Naval Beach Group 2 have been working with members of the Armed Forces of Latvia to conduct maritime preposition force offload operations here.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-09 20:55:00
A civilian railway engineer attaches a hoist cable to an M1A1 Main Battle Tank during the rail-way movement portion of the maritime preposition force (MPF) offload portion of exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010. The MPF offload portion is one of largest portions of exercise BALTOPS, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-09 21:14:00
Civilian railway engineers hoist an M1A1 Main Battle Tank to be placed on a railway car during the rail-way movement portion of the maritime preposition force (MPF) offload portion of exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010. The MPF offload portion is one of largest portions of exercise BALTOPS, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-09 17:02:00
An up-armored HMMWV drives through a recently constructed ramp designed to allow greater access to the beach during the maritime preposition force (MPF) offload portion of exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010. The MPF offload portion is one of largest portions of exercise BALTOPS, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-09 15:54:00
Lance Cpl. Noah Peczeli (right), a light armored reconnaissance vehicle (LAV) mechanic with 4th Landing Support Battalion, explains the mechanical capabilities of the engine in the LAV to the Latvian Minister of Defense Imants Lieģis (center), and Maj. Gen. Juris Maklakovs (left), the Commander of National Armed Forces of Latvia. The Minister of Defense and Chief of Defense visited several sights in the Ventspils area where U.S. and Latvian forces are working together to conduct a maritime preposition offload exercise.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-09 16:30:00
Local Latvian citizens and members of the National Armed Forces of Latvia observe a beach landing where Marines and Sailors participating in exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010 conduct a maritime preposition force (MPF) offload of vehicles and equipment. The MPF offload portion is one of largest portions of exercise BALTOPS, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-09 15:29:00
Latvian Minister of Defense Imants Lieģis (center), and Maj. Gen. Juris Maklakovs (right), the Commander of National Armed Forces of Latvia, listen as Lt. Col. James. C. McDonald, commanding officer of 4th Landing Support Battalion, provides them with an overview of what the Navy and Marine Corps participants in exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010 are doing at the logistics support area here. The Minister of Defense and Chief of Defense visited several sights in the Ventspils area where U.S. and Latvian forces are working together to conduct a maritime preposition offload exercise.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-03 11:03:00
Lt. Dushko Stookoski, a Macedonian Army soldier with Scorpion Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, fires an M-4 rifle during a combat marksmanship exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 3. The Marines and Sailors of 1st Tank Bn., are currently training with nations throughout the Black Sea, Balkans and Caucasus regions to build enduring partnerships, promote stability in the regions and build partner nations’ military capabilities.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-03 09:14:00
Macedonian Army soldiers with Scorpion Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, wait for the command to fire during a combat marksmanship training exercise with the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Battalion, at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 3. During the exercise, the Macedonians fired table three of the Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program, and also from distances up 300 meters away.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-03 09:14:00
Cpl. Mitchell Staats, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, gives commands to Macedonian Army soldiers with Scorpion Co., 1st Bn., 1st Brigade, during a combat marksmanship training exercise at Babadag Training Area, June 3. The Marines and Sailors of 1 st Tank Bn., are currently training with nations throughout the Black Sea, Balkans and Caucasus regions to build enduring partnerships, promote stability in the regions and build partner nations’ military capabilities.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-03 09:12:00
Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, teamed up with Macedonian Army soldiers with Scorpion Co., 1st Bn., 1st Brigade, for a combat marksmanship training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 3. During the exercise, the Macedonians fired table three of the Marine Corps Combat Marksmanship Program, and also from distances up 300 meters away.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-03 09:03:00
Lt. Dushko Stookoski, a Macedonian Army soldier with Scorpion Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, fires an AK-74 rifle during a combat marksmanship exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 3. The Marines and Sailors of 1st Tank Bn., are currently training with nations throughout the Black Sea, Balkans and Caucasus regions to build enduring partnerships, promote stability in the regions and build partner nations’ military capabilities.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-07 00:58:00
Marines from Charlie Company, 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group and Sailors of Naval Beach Group 2 use a military millennium vehicle heavy lift vehicle aboard the to offload the first wave of equipment from the USNS PFC Eugene Obregon, a maritime preposition vessel. The maritime preposition force (MPF) offload conducted here today begins the first phase of the MPF portion of exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-07 00:57:00
Marines from Charlie Company, 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group and Sailors of Naval Beach Group 2 use a military millennium vehicle heavy lift vehicle aboard the Improved Navy Literage System’s causeway ferry drops to offload the first wave of equipment from the USNS PFC Eugene Obregon, a maritime preposition vessel. The maritime preposition force (MPF) offload conducted here today begins the first phase of the MPF portion of exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-06 17:17:00
Landing support Marines from Charlie Company, 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, set up signal flags to mark the landing area here. The maritime preposition force (MPF) offload conducted here today begins the first phase of the MPF portion of exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-07 00:51:00
As the ramp on the Improved Navy Literage System’s causeway ferry drops on the beach, Marines from Charlie Company, 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group and the Sailors of Naval Beach Group 2 worked together to offload the first wave of equipment from the USNS PFC Eugene Obregon, a maritime preposition vessel. The maritime preposition force (MPF) offload conducted here today begins the first phase of the MPF portion of exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-06-06 17:11:00
Landing support Marines from Charlie Company, 4th Landing Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group, head to the beach to set up signal flags to mark the landing area here. The maritime preposition force (MPF) offload conducted here today begins the first phase of the MPF portion of exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2010, a multinational maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability between the 12 participating nations and increase maritime safety and security.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-02 10:21:00
Macedonian Army soldiers with Scorpion Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, strike pads during a competitive Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 2. The Macedonians are currently training with the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., as the second of four peacekeeping operations of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-02 10:21:00
Macedonian Army soldiers with Scorpion Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, attempt to push one another out of a circle during a competitive Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 2. The Macedonians have proven to be as competitive as Marines and make it evident by making each training exercise a competition between the four platoons.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-02 10:20:00
Macedonian Army soldiers with Scorpion Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, perform squad pushups during a competitive Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 2. The Macedonians are currently training with the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., as the second of four peacekeeping operations of Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-02 10:15:00
Sgt. Slagan Cvetanovski, a Macedonian Army soldier with Scorpion Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, carries Staff Sgt. Dalebor Jovanovski, also with Scorpion Co., 1st Bn., 1st Brigade, during a competitive Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 2. The Macedonians have proven to be as competitive as Marines and make it evident by making each training exercise a competition between the four platoons.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-02 10:01:00
Lance Cpl. Jesse Watson, an assaultman with Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., carries Lance Cpl. J Macke, also with scout platoon, during a competitive Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 2. Watson, a native of Louisville, Ky., said competition between the four platoons of Macedonian soldiers has greatly impacted the overall training evolution at BTA.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-02 10:00:00
Marines with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrate a portion of a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program course at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 2. The Marines are currently working with Macedonian Army soldiers with Scorpion Co., 1st Bn., 1st Brigade, as the second of four peacekeeping operations during Black Sea Rotational Force 2010. The Macedonians have proven to be as competitive as Marines and make it evident by making each training exercise a competition between the four platoons training there.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-03 15:10:00
The flightcrew of a Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 KC-130T Hercules pilot toward Romania's Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield following airborne training with Romanian paratroopers, June 3. Two dozen Marines from VMGR-452, out of Newburgh, N.Y., and VMGR-234, out of Fort Worth, Texas, are currently deployed as the air combat element of the Black Sea Rotational Force Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-03 13:32:00
A Romanian paratrooper soars in the skies over Campia Turzii, June 3. Romanian paratroopers conducted static-line and military free fall airborne training with the help of U.S. Marine Corps KC-130 Hercules aircraft, June 2-3. Romanian and U.S. forces are slated to conduct more paratrooper training, June 8-9.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-03 13:28:00
A Romanian paratrooper soars in the skies over Campia Turzii, June 3. Romanian paratroopers conducted static-line and military free fall airborne training with the help of U.S. Marine Corps KC-130 Hercules aircraft, June 2-3. Romanian and U.S. forces are slated to conduct more paratrooper training, June 8-9.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-03 13:27:00
A Romanian paratrooper makes his landing on the grassy fields of Campia Turzii, June 3. Romanian paratroopers conducted static-line and military free fall airborne training with the help of U.S. Marine Corps KC-130 Hercules aircraft, June 2-3. Romanian and U.S. forces are slated to conduct more paratrooper training, June 8-9.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-03 03:39:00
Romanian Staff Sgt. Ciobanu Ionel, a Romanian airborne soldier, repacks his parachute at Campia Turzii, Romania, June 3. About 75 Romanian paratroopers trained with U.S. Marines from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 and VMGR-452, June 2-3. The Romanian and U.S. forces are scheduled to continue airborne training, June 8-9.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-03 03:38:00
Romanian Staff Sgt. Ciobanu Ionel, a Romanian airborne soldier, repacks his parachute at Campia Turzii, Romania, June 3. About 75 Romanian paratroopers trained with U.S. Marines from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 and VMGR-452, June 2-3. The Romanian and U.S. forces are scheduled to continue airborne training, June 8-9.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-03 03:21:00
Romanian static-line paratroopers enter a KC-130T Hercules Aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, on the flight line of Campia Turzii, Romania, June 3. A pair of KC-130 Hercules aircraft, from VMGR-452, out of Newburgh, N.Y., and VMGR-234, out of Fort Worth, Texas, are currently deplooyed as the air combat element of the Black Sea Rotational Force Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-02 06:09:00
A Romanian paratrooper makes his exit from the back of a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130T Hercules aircraft, nearly 10,000 feet above Campia Turzii, June 2. A pair of KC-130T Hercules aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 and VMGR-452 supported Romanian airborne troops in training, June 2-3.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-02 06:01:00
Romanian paratroopers line the back of a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130T to conduct a military free fall jump, June 2. Romanian airborne troops performed both static-line and military free fall jumps, June 2-3, using a pair of KC-130T Hercules aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 and VMGR-452, as their platform.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-02 04:39:00
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Perham, a jumpmaster from U.S. Army Europe, motivates Romanian static-line paratroopers jumping from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130T Hercules aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, June 2. Perham and two other U.S. Army jumpmasters provided their expertise to the airborne training conducted by U.S. and Romanian forces, June 2-3.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-02 04:15:00
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Perham, right, a jumpmaster from U.S. Army Europe, motivates Romanian static-line paratroopers jumping from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130T Hercules aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, June 2. Perham and two other U.S. Army jumpmasters provided their expertise to the airborne training conducted by U.S. and Romanian forces, June 2-3.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-02 03:50:00
A Romanian paratrooper makes a soft landing on the grassy fields of Campia Turzii, June 2. A pair of KC-130T Hercules aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 and VMGR-452, provided support for about 75 Romanian airborne troops, June 2-3.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-02 03:48:00
Romanian paratroopers float to the ground over Campia Turzii, Romania, June 2. A pair of KC-130T Hercules aircraft from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 and VMGR-452, provided support for about 75 Romanian airborne troops, June 2-3.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-02 02:27:00
Gunnery Sgt. Gunnery Sgt. Robert Hopkins, a KC-130T loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, assists the Hercules flightcrew in positioning their aircraft on the flight line at Campia Turzii, Romania, June 2. Hopkins, a native of Providence, R.I., is one of 24 Marines from VMGR-234 and VMGR-452, currently deployed to Eastern Europe as the air combat element of the Black Sea Rotational Force Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-06-01 23:26:00
Gunnery Sgt. Robert Hopkins, a KC-130T loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, installs a jump platform on the paratroop door of a KC-130, June 2. A pair of KC-130 Hercules aircraft from VMGR-234 and VMGR-452 provided support for Romanian airborne training, June 2-3. The Marines and Romanian forces are slated to take to the skies again for more paratroop training, June 8-9.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-01 08:40:00
Sgt. Shane Cell, a squad leader with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates muscular gouging to a during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training exercise with Macedonian soldiers at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 1. Since arriving at BTA, the Marines and Macedonian soldiers have also covered the fundamentals of peacekeeping, rules of engagement, fundamentals of combat marksmanship and night vision training.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-01 08:39:00
Sgt. Shane Cell (right), a squad leader with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates muscular gouging to Pvt. Alexander Leievsici, a Macedonian Army soldier with Scorpion Co., 1st Bn., 1st Brigade, during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 1. Since arriving at BTA, the Marines and Macedonian soldiers have also covered the fundamentals of peacekeeping, rules of engagement, fundamentals of combat marksmanship and night vision training.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-06-01 08:30:00
First Sgt. Tony Naskovski, a Macedonian Army soldier with Scorpion Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, performs a knife-hand strike on his partner during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program exercise with the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., at Babadag Training Area, Romania, June 1. The Marines are working in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to promote regional stability, build enduring partnerships and build the capabilities of partner nations’ military forces.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-31 22:17:00
Macedonian Army soldiers navigate through the woods during a night vision practical application exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 31. The Macedonians are currently training with the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion as the second of four peacekeeping operations scheduled for Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-31 22:08:00
Lance Cpl. Mitch Sproull, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates the PEQ-15 illuminator on his M-4 rifle during a night vision practical application exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 31. The Marines are working in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions to promote regional stability, build enduring partnerships and build the capabilities of partner nations' military forces.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-31 22:06:00
Cpl. Devin Bullard (right) an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, issues night vision goggles to Macedonian Army soldiers during an NVG practical application exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 31. The Macedonian two-week training evolution is the second of four peacekeeping operations during Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-31 21:35:00
Sgt. Sladjan Cvetanovski, a Macedonian Army soldier with Scorpion Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, adjusts his night vision goggles during an NVG practical application exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 31. The Macedonians are currently training with the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion as the second of four peacekeeping operations scheduled for Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-29 19:43:00
On June 6, 1918, Marines from the 5th Regiment had to cross wheat fields such as this while facing intense machine gun fire from German troops who were deeply entrenched in forests that make up Belleau Wood. On that first day of combat, more Marines were killed or injured than in all of the Corps' previous 143 years of existence. After several attempts, 5th Marines was able to drive the Germans from their machine gun nests, using bayonets and close combat, and establish a foothold in the wood that would allow the Marines to eventually win the battle. The Marines of both the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments returned to Belleau Wood after 93 years to commemorate the battle their units fought in nearly a century ago. During their trip, they conducted a walkthrough study of the attack and walked in the footsteps of their predecessors.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-29 18:43:00
Machinegunners with Weapons Company, 3rd battalion, 5th Marines, Sgt. Dayton McConnell (right), of Modesto, Calif., and Cpl. Jordan Kinal, of Columbia Station, Ohio, stand atop Hill 142, the spot of intense fighting during the Battle of Belleau Wood. The Marines of both the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments returned to Belleau Wood after 93 years to commemorate the battle their units fought in 93 years ago. During their trip, they conducted a walkthrough study of the attack and walked in the footsteps of their predecessors.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-30 18:41:00
Members of the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team perform during a Memorial Day service in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Battle for Belleau Wood at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. This year's ceremony marks the first time in 93 years that the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments have returned to the battlefield together to honor their fallen comrades. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-29 19:38:00
Members of the 5th Marine Regiment listen to a tour guide describe the wheat field crossing during the attack on Hill 142 where in June 1918, the Marines of the 5th Regiment took heavy losses to German machine guns. The Marines of both the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments returned to Belleau Wood after 93 years to commemorate the battle their units fought in 93 years ago. During their trip, they conducted a walkthrough study of the attack and walked in the footsteps of their predecessors.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-30 18:48:00
A Marine walks through the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery following a Memorial Day service commemorating the 93rd anniversary of the Battle of Belleau Wood. This year's ceremony marks the first time in 93 years that the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments have returned to the battlefield together to honor their fallen comrades. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-30 16:00:00
The color guard from Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Rota, Spain stand at the Iron Mike memorial area in the heart of Belleau Wood during a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the more than 1,800 Marines who died in the World War I Battle for Belleau Wood.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-29 18:27:00
Capt. John Scheler, intelligence officer with Headquarters Company, 5th Marine Regiment and Marrysville, Penn. native, looks out across the wheat fields at Hill 142 where in June 1918, the Marines of the 5th Regiment took heavy losses to German machine guns. The Marines of both the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments returned to Belleau Wood after 93 years to commemorate the battle their units fought in 93 years ago. During their trip, they conducted a walkthrough study of the attack and walked in the footsteps of their predecessors.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-30 16:23:00
Marines depart the Iron Mike memorial area in the heart of Belleau Wood after a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the more than 1,800 Marines who died in the World War I Battle for Belleau Wood.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-30 16:17:00
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway and Marines from Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Rota, Spain salute at the Iron Mike memorial area in the heart of Belleau Wood during a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the more than 1,800 Marines who died in the World War I Battle for Belleau Wood.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-30 16:14:00
French honor guard soldiers stand in formation across from Marines with Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Rota, Spain at the Iron Mike memorial area in the heart of Belleau Wood during a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the more than 1,800 Marines who died in the World War I Battle for Belleau Wood.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: USMC Photo by Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-30 16:51:00
The colors sergeants from each battalion of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments stand on the steps of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a Memorial Day service in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Battle for Belleau Wood. This year's ceremony marks the first time in 93 years that the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments have returned to the battlefield together to honor their fallen comrades. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-30 16:56:00
U.S. Marines and French soldiers gather on the parade field of the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery during a Memorial Day service in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Battle for Belleau Wood. This year's ceremony marks the first time in 93 years that the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments have returned to the battlefield together to honor their fallen comrades. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-05-30 17:23:00
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway gives remarks during a Memorial Day service in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Battle for Belleau Wood at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery. This year's ceremony marks the first time in 93 years that the Marines of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments have returned to the battlefield together to honor their fallen comrades. More than 1,800 Marines from the 5th and 6th Regiments lost their lives in the 21-day battle that stopped the last German offensive in 1918.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-28 16:02:00
Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, 4th Marine Air Wing, from Newburgh, N.Y., and VMGR-234, out of Fort Worth, Texas, arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, Romania, May 28, to assist Black Sea Rotational Force 2010 as the air combat element of the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The units will play a vital role in supply and troop transport operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-28 15:37:00
An air traffic controller for the Mihail Kogalniceanu International Airport, Romania, guides a KC-130 aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, 4th Marine Air Wing, based out of Fort Worth, Texas, upon arriving at the airport May 28. The unit, along with Marines with VMGR-452, 4th MAW, out of Newburgh, N.Y., is supporting Black Sea Rotational Force 2010 as the air combat element of the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-28 15:27:00
Sgt. Geoff Boreman, a flight mechanic trainee with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport -452, 4th Marine Air Wing, locks a propeller to a KC-130 aircraft in place after landing at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, Romania, May 28. VMGR-452 is a reserve unit based out of Newburgh, N.Y., and will support Black Sea Rotational Force 2010 as the air combat element of the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-28 15:26:00
Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, from Newburgh, N.Y., and VMGR-234, out of Fort Worth, Texas, arrived at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, Romania, May 28, to assist Black Sea Rotational Force 2010 as the air combat element of the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The 4th Marine Aircraft Wing units will play a vital role in supply and troop transport operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-26 02:20:00
Staff Sgt. Aaron Weiss, the operations chief for Black Sea Rotational Force's civil-military operations section, provides a brief during the civil affairs symposium, May 26, in Constanta, Romania. Civil affairs staffs from five nations came together in Constanta, Romania, May 24-27, to discuss each countrie's best practices in civil-military operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-26 02:15:00
Staff Sgt. Aaron Weiss, the operations chief for Black Sea Rotational Force's civil-military operations section, provides a brief during the civil affairs symposium, May 26, in Constanta, Romania. Civil affairs staffs from five nations came together in Constanta, Romania, May 24-27, to discuss each countrie's best practices in civil-military operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-26 01:40:00
U.S. Marine Lt. Col. David Gruss and Bulgarian Col. Vilis Tzourov discuss civil military operations during during the Black Sea Rotational Force civil affairs symposium, May 26, in Constanta, Romania. Gruss is Marine Corps Forces Europe's liaison officer for Black Sea Rotational Force and Tzourov is the civil-military cooperation chief for the general staff of the Bulgarian armed forces.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-26 01:33:00
Ukraine army Col. Andrii Pavelko asks U.S. Marine Maj. David W. VanHoof a question during the Black Sea Rotational Force civil affairs symposium, May 26, in Constanta, Romania. Pavelko is the chief of civil-military operations for the Ukraine’s joint operations command and VanHoof is the civil affairs officer for Black Sea Rotational Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-26 01:25:00
Bulgarian Col. Vilis Tzourov, the civil-military cooperation chief for the general staff of the Bulgarian armed forces, discusses civil-military operations at a civil affairs symposium, May 26, in Constanta, Romania. Civil affairs staffs from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine joined U.S. Marines and soldiers in a four-day symposium, the purpose of which was to allow the nations’ representatives to learn from each other.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-26 01:23:00
Bulgarian Col. Vilis Tzourov, the civil-military cooperation chief for the general staff of the Bulgarian armed forces, discusses civil-military operations at a civil affairs symposium, May 26, in Constanta, Romania. Civil affairs staffs from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine joined U.S. Marines and soldiers in a four-day symposium, the purpose of which was to allow the nations’ representatives to learn from each other.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-28 04:39:00
A U.S. and Romanian Marine say goodbye following the ceremony, May 28, closing two weeks of peacekeeping operations training. U.S. forces of Black Sea Rotational Force will now conduct peacekeeping operations training with Macedonian forces, and the Romanian forces are slated to begin airborne training with Black Sea Rotational Force's air combat element.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-28 04:38:00
A U.S. and Romanian Marine say goodbye following the ceremony, May 28, closing two weeks of peacekeeping operations training. U.S. forces of Black Sea Rotational Force will now conduct peacekeeping operations training with Macedonian forces, and the Romanian forces are slated to begin airborne training with Black Sea Rotational Force's air combat element.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-27 14:12:00
Romanian Marines move into position during the military operations on urbanized terrain portion of their final training exercise, May 27. Throughout two weeks of training with the U.S. Marines and Sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force, the Romanian troops practiced MOUT training, nonlethal weapons use, martial arts and other skills crucial to peacekeeping operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-28 04:34:00
Pvt. Marius Dumitru, a Romanian Marine with Amphibious Company, 307th Battalion, receives a challenge coin from Lt. Col. Tom Gordon, the commanding officer for Black Sea Rotational Force, during a ceremony concluding two weeks of peacekeeping operations training, May 28. “I really didn’t expect that to happen,” said Dumitru, referring to the moment Gordon called him front-and-center. “This is a great honor for me. It’s really motivating for me and feels good to be appreciated.”

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-27 14:11:00
Romanian Marines arrive via tactical vehicles to conduct military operations in urbanized terrain during the final training exercise of their peacekeeping operations training, May 27. Romanian Marines and soldiers capped off two weeks of training with U.S. Marines and Sailors with a final exercise and ceremony.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-25 18:23:00
Romanian Land Forces Sgt. Vasile Bogdan, 1st Company, 341st Battalion, gets sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum, more commonly known as pepper spray, during a nonlethal weapons exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 25.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-25 18:15:00
Cpl. Mitchell Staats, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, subdues an opponent after being sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum, more commonly known as pepper spray, during a nonlethal weapons exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 25.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-25 17:24:00
A Romanian Marine feels the effects of a Taser, as Sgt. Chris Dare, a section leader with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., provides support during a nonlethal weapons exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 25.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-25 14:57:00
A Taser prong sticks out of Cpl. Mitchell Staats’ shirt after he was Tased during a nonlethal weapons exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 25. Staats is a member of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, and also was sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum, more commonly known as pepper spray, during the exercise.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-25 14:56:00
Staff Sgt. Troy Ferderer, left, a nonlethal weapons instructor with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates how to properly employ a Taser on Cpl. Mitchell Staats, an assaultman with scout platoon, H and S Co., 1st Tank Bn., during a nonlethal weapons exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 25. Romanian Marines and soldiers received nonlethal weapons familiarization training as part of their peacekeeping operations course.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-21 10:36:00
Staff Sgt. Adrian Puricel, a Romanian Marine with Amphibious Company, 307th Battalion, fires at his target during a combat marksmanship exercise with Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co.,1st Tank Bn., at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 21. During the exercise, the Romanians and U.S. Marines fired more than 13,000 rounds of ammunition.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-21 09:38:00
Lt. Col. Tom Gordon, the commanding officer of Black Sea Rotational Force, inspects shot groups with Romanian Navy Capt. Adrian Felipe, the commander of Romanian Forces, during a combat marksmanship exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 21. The Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Bn., are currently training with the Romanians to build partner capacities and relationships, as well as promote regional stability throughout the Black Sea region.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-21 09:15:00
Cpl. Georgian Mocanu, a Romanian Marine with Amphibious Company, 307th Battalion, fires at his target during a combat marksmanship exercise with Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co.,1st Tank Bn., at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 21. During the exercise, the Romanians and U.S. Marines fired more than 13,000 rounds of ammunition.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-21 08:12:00
Sgt. Tony Anton (left), and Staff Sgt. Serban Mocanu, Romanian Marines with Amphibious Company, 307th Battalion, stage ammunition during a combat marksmanship exercise with Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co.,1st Tank Bn., at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 21. During the exercise, the Romanians and U.S. Marines fired more than 13,000 rounds of ammunition.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-21 08:11:00
Romanian Marines and soldiers teamed up with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, to conduct a combat marksmanship exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 21. During the exercise, both U.S. and Romanian forces were able to familiarize themselves with the AK-74 and M-4 rifles.

Unit: Security Cooperation Education and Training Center
Byline: 1st Lt. Nicole Teat
Date: 2010-05-20 02:42:00
Lance Cpl. Kevin Cronin, a rifleman with the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 10, helps a member of 1st Paratrooper Battalion, Greek Special Forces, during a combat lifesaving practical application at Maleme, Crete, May 20. The Greek Special Forces and SCMAGTF spent the day conducting bilateral training exercises, to include a live-fire range, weapons handling classes, and combat lifesaving.

Unit: Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force - APS
Byline: 1st Lt. Samantha Megli
Date: 2010-05-13 10:43:00
Marines with the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 10, complete a 12-mile hike through the mountains of Crete with 1st Paratrooper Battalion, Greek Special Forces, May 21. The hike was part of a two-day bilateral training exercise between Greek and U.S. military forces, designed to increase partner nation relations and military interoperability.

Unit: Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force - APS
Byline: Cpl. Michele Watson
Date: 2010-05-21 02:08:00
Marines with the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 10, complete a 12-mile hike through the mountains of Crete with 1st Paratrooper Battalion, Greek Special Forces, May 21. The hike was part of a two-day bilateral training exercise between Greek and U.S. military forces, designed to increase partner nation relations and military interoperability.

Unit: Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force - APS
Byline: Cpl. Michele Watson
Date: 2010-05-21 10:34:00
Lt. Col John Golden, commanding officer, Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 10, exchanges gifts with Lt. Col. Emmanuel Siyioltzakis , commanding officer, 1st Paratrooper Battalion, Greek Special Forces, May 21. The SCMAGTF was given the opportunity to conduct a two-day bilateral training exercise with the Greek Special Forces while on a port visit to Crete, designed to increase partner nation relations and military interoperability.

Unit: Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force - APS
Byline: 1st Lt. Nicole Teat
Date: 2010-05-20 02:09:00
A member of 1st Paratrooper Battalion, Greek Special Forces, prepares for a live-fire exercise at Maleme, Crete, with Marines of the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 10, May 20. In addition to the range, the Greek service members also received combat life saving classes instructed by SCMAGTF Corpsmen and a combat leadership forum from Marine veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-27 13:41:00
A Romanian soldier holds down Staff Sgt. Troy Ferderer, an acting role player with 1st Tank Battalion, during the final exercise of the Romanian peacekeeping operation at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 27. The FINEX was a cumulative test of the skills and techniques the Marines and soldiers have honed since arriving at BTA.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-27 13:40:00
A Romanian soldier holds down Staff Sgt. Troy Ferderer, an acting role player with 1st Tank Battalion, during the final exercise of the Romanian peacekeeping operation at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 27. The FINEX was a cumulative test of the skills and techniques the Marines and soldiers have honed since arriving at BTA.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-20 10:41:00
Cpl. Eric Franco (right), the chief martial arts instructor with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, encourages Romanian Marines with Amphibious Co., 307th Bn., during a Landing Zone drill designed to test their teamwork and nonlethal martial arts skills at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 20. Several of the Romanian and U.S. Marines have shaved their heads since arriving at BTA as yet another way to build enduring friendships and camaraderie between the nations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-20 10:35:00
Romanian Marines with Amphibious Company 307th Battalion, fight off attackers during a Landing Zone drill designed to test their teamwork and nonlethal skills at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 20. Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., are training with the Romanians to better enhance their martial arts skills through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-20 10:33:00
Romanian Marines with Amphibious Company 307th Battalion, sprint from the starting point of a Landing Zone drill designed to test their teamwork and nonlethal skills at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 20. U.S. Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., are training with the Romanians to better enhance their martial arts skills through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-20 10:18:00
From left to right, Pvt. Paul Crangus, Sgt. Voicu Burlacu and Pvt. Andrei Zapototchi, Romanian Army soldiers with 1st Company, 341st Battalion, work together during a Landing Zone drill designed to test their teamwork and nonlethal skills at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 20. U.S. Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., are training with the Romanians to better enhance their martial arts skills through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-20 10:13:00
Pvt. Stefan Stan, a Romanian Marine with Amphibious Company, 307th Battalion, strikes a pad during a Landing Zone drill designed to test their teamwork and nonlethal skills at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 20. U.S. Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., are training with the Romanians to better enhance their martial arts skills through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-20 10:04:00
U.S. Marines with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, who are currently deployed to the Black Sea region as the first Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force, congratulate Romanian Marines with Amphibious Co., 307th Bn., after completing a strenuous Landing Zone drill designed to test their teamwork and nonlethal skills at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 20. By the end of the training evolution, the Romanians logged more than 14 hours of martial arts and nonlethal weapons training on top of their other training obligations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-20 09:55:00
Romanian Marines with Amphibious Company, 307th Battalion, fight off attackers during a landing zone drill casualty evacuation designed to test their teamwork and nonlethal skills at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 20. Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., are training with the Romanians to better enhance their martial arts skills through the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-20 02:14:00
Dr. Rodica Matusa, the president of Asociata Speranta, or the Hope Association, thanks U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Darius Tomoiaga, the material liaison officer for Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 7's Sailos currently deployed to the Black Sea, May 20. Tomoiaga assisted Black Sea Rotational Force Marines and Sailors in their refurbishment of one of the Hope Association's homes.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-19 01:37:00
Lance Cpl. John Lamecker, a radio operator with 1st Tank Battalion, applies paint during a civil affairs project, May 19. More than a dozen Black Sea Rotational Force Marines and Sailors volunteered to help renovate the living areas of a home for HIV-positive teens and young adults.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-19 00:00:00
Lance Cpl. John Lamecker, a radio operator with 1st Tank Battalion, applies paint during a civil affairs project, May 19. More than a dozen Black Sea Rotational Force Marines and Sailors volunteered to help renovate the living areas of a home for HIV-positive teens and young adults.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-20 02:48:00
Staff Sgt. Aaron Weiss hugs the resident of a home for HIV-positive teens and young adults in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, May 20. Weiss, currently deployed to Romania from the 4th Civil Affairs Group, was one of more than a dozen Marines and Sailors from Black Sea Rotational Force to help refurbish the home's interior.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-20 01:29:00
Cpl. Dwight Rachuba, center, a communication systems repairer with 1st Tank Battalion, helps the residents of a home for HIV-positive teens and young adults rehang pictures after a civil affairs project at the home, May 20.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-19 06:34:00
Lance Cpl. John Lamecker, a radio operator with 1st Tank Battalion, applies caulk to a window as part of a home refurbishment civil affairs project, May 19.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-19 06:11:00
Lance Cpl. Ernest Aleman, left, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Mora, conduct a final clean up during a renovation project in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, May 19. Both Aleman, a diesel repair technician, and Mora, a corpsman, are with 1st Tank Battalion, deployed as the core of the Marine Corps first Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force in the Black Sea region.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-19 01:59:00
Lance Cpl. Jonathan Depinent, an embarkation specialist with 1st Tank Battalion, paints a wall during a project to refurbish the living areas of a home for HIV-positive teens and young adults in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, May 19. “I think we’ve done a good job here,” said Depinet, a native of Flagstaff, Ariz. “We’ve really put some effort into working here, and it shows.”

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-19 01:04:00
Sgt. Damion Francis, the assistant radio chief for 1st Tank Battalion's communications section, prepares a wall before painting it during a civil affairs project in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, May 19.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-18 02:49:00
Cpl. Timothy Miller, an administrative clerk with 1st Tank Battalion, scrapes to remove damaged plaster in a home for HIV-positive teens and young adults in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, May 18.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-18 05:32:00
Sgt. Damion Francis, the assistant radio chief for 1st Tank Battalion's communications section, takes a short break during a civil affairs project in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, May 18. Francis and the other Marines and Sailors who volunteered were able to finish the project in just over two days.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-18 05:32:00
Lance Cpl. John Lamecker, a radoio operator with 1st Tank Battalion, applies spackle to a trowel during a civil affairs project, May 18. For the project, Marines and Sailors removed plaster that had become molded, applied an anti-fungal treatment, and repainted many of the living areas of the house.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-18 03:21:00
Gunnery Sgt. Thurman Cowan, left, discusses farm life with 'Nick,' one of the residents of the home for HIV-positive teens and young adults that Marines and Sailors from Black Sea Rotational helped refurbish, May 18-20. The home is a working farm with the goal to help its residents get back on their feet. Cowan is the staff noncomissioned officer in charge of civil affairs for Black Sea Rotational Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-18 03:01:00
Cpl. Dwight Rachuba, a communication systems repaier with 1st Tank Battalion, was one of more than a dozen Marines and Sailors deployed with Black Sea Rotational Force who volunteered to help refurbish a home for HIV-positive teens and young adults in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, May 18-20.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-18 02:43:00
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Mora, a corpsman with 1st Tank Battalion, removes old plaster from a wall during a civil affairs project in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, May 18. The Marines and Sailors of Black Sea Rotational Force volunteered to help renovate the interior of a home for HIV-positive teens and young adults in Romania, May 18-20.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 09:33:00
A Romanian Marine practices Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. Marines and Sailors are currently deployed to Eastern Europe to grow enduring partnerships with nations in the Black Sea, Balkan and Caucasus regions.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 09:29:00
Lance Cpl. Kevin Kuntshick, a tank crewman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, holds a mat while a Romanian Marine performs Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. The Marines and Sailors of scout platoon are currently training with the Romanians in martial arts and other skills so both nations can have a more fluid partnership.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 09:27:00
Lance Cpl. J Macke, an assault man with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, holds a mat while a Romanian Marine performs Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. The Marines and Sailors of scout platoon are currently training with the Romanians in martial arts and other skills so both nations can have a more fluid partnership.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 09:19:00
Cpl. Eric Franco, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates a front kick during a Marine Corps Martial Arts training exercise at Babadag Training Area, May 18. Franco has been assigned as the lead martial arts instructor responsible for training Romanian Marines and soldiers during peacekeeping operations training.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 09:14:00
Sgt. Shane Cell, a squad leader with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, instructs Romanian Marines during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training session at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. Cell, a native of Parker, Colo., spoke about leadership and noncommissioned officer development after the session in order to help strengthen the Romanian military’s NCO core.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 09:09:00
A Romanian Marine practices a front kick during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, are currently training with Romanian forces as part of the first peacekeeping operations of the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force, known as Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 09:06:00
Romanian Marines practice U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, are currently training with Romanians in an array of peacekeeping operations as part of the first Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force, known as Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-19 22:15:00
Lance Cpl. David Johnson, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates how to properly use a PEQ 15 lasering device during a night vision goggle familiarization exercise at Babadag Training Area, May 19. 1st Tank Battalion is deployed to the Black Sea as the core of a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force with the mission to promote regional stability and build the partner nations’ military capacity.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-19 22:12:00
Sgt. Shane Cell, a squad leader with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, and Lance Cpl. Joel Hindman, an assaultman with scout platoon, inspect a set of night vision goggles, May 19. 1st Tank Battalion is deployed to the Black Sea as the core of a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force with the mission to promote regional stability and build the partner nations’ military capacity.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-19 21:50:00
Romanian Marines and soldiers had the opportunity to use night vision goggles during an NVG familiarization exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 19. The Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, are currently training in partnership with Romania’s Marines and soldier to enhance the Black Sea nation’s military capacity.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-19 21:48:00
Lance Cpl. Kevin Kuntshick, a tank crewman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, attaches a helmet mount to a pair of night vision goggles during an NVG familiarization exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 19. 1st Tank Battalion is deployed to the Black Sea as the core of a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force with the mission to promote regional stability and build the partner nations’ military capacity.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-19 21:45:00
Romanian Marines and soldiers receive a pair of night vision goggles during an NVG familiarization exercise at Babadag Training Area, May 19. During the exercise, the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, trained with Romanian Marines and soldiers to increase their proficiency with night vision equipment.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-19 21:33:00
Romanian Marines navigate their way through a tree line during a night vision goggle familiarization exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 19. During the exercise, the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, trained with Romanian Marines and soldiers to increase their proficiency with night vision equipment.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-19 21:22:00
Lance Cpl. Joel Hindman, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, attaches a pair of night vision goggles to a Romanian soldier’s helmet during an NVG familiarization exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 19. The Marines and Sailors of scout platoon are currently training with Romanians in order to build enduring partnerships with the NATO nation’s Marines and soldiers.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-19 21:21:00
A Romanian Marine adjusts his night vision goggles during an NVG familiarization exercise at Babadag Training Area, May 19. During the exercise, the Marines and Sailors of scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, trained with Romanian Marines and soldiers to increase their proficiency with night vision equipment.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-19 21:14:00
Lance Cpl. Joel Hindman, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, prepares night vision goggles for Romanian Marines and soldiers during an NVG familiarization exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 19. The Marines and Sailors of scout platoon are currently training with Romanians in order to build enduring partnerships.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-19 21:11:00
Lance Cpls. Joel Hindman, left, and David Johnson, both assaultmen with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, issue night vision goggles to Romanian Marines and soldiers during a night vision familiarization exercise at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 19. 1st Tank Battalion is deployed to the Black Sea as the core of a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force with the mission to promote regional stability and build the partner nations’ military capacity.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 15:20:00
A Romanian Marine and Lance Cpl. Jesse Watson, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, compete in a speed reload competition with AK-74 rifles at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. Romanian forces and U.S. Marines are training in partnership to increase the interoperability of the two nations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 15:19:00
A Romanian Marine and Lance Cpl. Kevin Kuntshick, a tank crewman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, compete in a speed reload competition with AK-74 rifles at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. 1st Tanks Battalion is currently deployed as the core Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task in support of Black Sea Rotational Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 15:11:00
Romanian Marines conduct speed reloads with their AK-74 rifles at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. The Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, are currently training with Romanian troops in nonlethal weapons, combat marksmanship, noncommissioned officer development, Marine Corps Martial Arts and other areas of military operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 14:51:00
Sgt. Shane Cell, a squad leader with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, speaks with Romanian Marines about proper firing positions at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. Scout platoon forms the ground combat element of a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force deployed to promote regional stability and build enduring partnerships with nations in the Black Sea, Caucasus and Balkan regions.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 14:50:00
Marines with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, trained with Romanian Marines and soldiers in firing positions at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. The battalion is currently deployed as the first Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force in the Black Sea region, known as Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 14:46:00
Cpl. Richard Chavez, a radio operator with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, speaks with Romanian Marines about proper firing positions at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. Scout platoon is working with the Romanian military to strengthen the nation’s noncommissioned officer core and increase its military capacity.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 14:44:00
Romanian Marines hone their firing position techniques during a period of instruction at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. The Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, are currently training with the Romanian military in nonlethal weapons, combat marksmanship, noncommissioned officer development, Marine Corps Martial Arts and other areas of military operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-18 14:27:00
Romanian Marines look on as Lance Cpl. Jesse Watson, an assaultman with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, demonstrates the sitting firing position at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18. The Marines of scout platoon taught the Romanians how to properly position themselves while firing as well as other combat marksmanship techniques.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-17 19:24:00
1st Lt. Marc Tucker, the scout platoon commander, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, gives a class to Romanian soldiers and Marines at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 17. Over the next two weeks, scout platoon will work with the Romanians in peacekeeping operations, covering such facets as nonlethal weapons training, Marine Corps Martial Arts and combat marksmanship.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-17 18:30:00
Romanian and U.S. Marines offload gear after arriving at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 17. Over the next two weeks, Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., will train with the Romanians in peacekeeping operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-17 17:39:00
Romanian Marines with Amphibious Company, 307th Battalion, unload their gear after arriving at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 17. Over the next two weeks, Marines and Sailors with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank Bn., will train with the Romanians in peacekeeping operations.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-17 17:23:00
Cpl. Michael Seto, an ammunition technician with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, and native of Meridian, Miss., ground guides Lance Cpl. Jesse Watson, an assault man with H and S Co., 1st Tank Bn., and Louisville, Ky., native, after arriving at Babadag Training Area, Romania.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-17 04:24:00
Sgt. Maj. Conrad Potts, the sergeant major of the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force deployed for Black Sea Rotational Force 2010, leads a formation of U.S. Marines and Romanian troops during Black Sea Rotational Force's opening ceremony, May 17. The ceremony, attended by local politicians and U.S. and Romanian military representatives from across the services, marked the official beginning of the three-month deployment of Marines to the Black Sea region.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-17 04:24:00
Lt. Col Tom Gordon, the commander of the Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force deployed for Black Sea Rotational Force 2010, addresses attendees of the opening ceremony, May 17. “Our mission over the next three months will be to conduct multilateral security cooperation activities with partner nations in the Black Sea, Balkan, and Caucasus regions in order to enhance our collective professional military capacity, promote regional stability, and build enduring relationships with our partner nations,” said Gordon at the ceremony.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-17 04:13:00
U.S. Navy Lt. Russell Hale, the command chaplain for Black Sea Rotational Forces, provides the invocation for the opening ceremony of Black Sea Rotational Force, May 17. “Eternal father who is strong to save, we have assembled this day to celebrate peace, liberty and brotherhood,” said Hale during the ceremony. “As our two nations have come together, we seek your blessing and divine presence.”

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-17 04:07:00
Romanian Navy Col. Father Nicolae Argato blesses the troops during the invocation of the opening ceremony for Black Sea Rotational Force 2010. U.S. and Romanian chaplains provided the invocation and benediction for the ceremony.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-17 04:07:00
Romanian Navy Col. Father Nicolae Argato blesses the troops during the invocation of the opening ceremony for Black Sea Rotational Force 2010. U.S. and Romanian chaplains provided the invocation and benediction for the ceremony.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-14 12:40:00
A Romanian Air Force IAR 330 “Puma” helicopter takes off from the landing zone at Romania’s Babadag Training Area during a casualty evacuation rehearsal, May 14. The timed exercise was executed to ensure Marines and Romanian forces could work in partnership to respond to an incident within the “Golden Hour” that a casualty must reach a medical facility capable of providing the appropriate level of care.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-14 12:38:00
Marines and Sailors with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, transport a simulated casualty to a Romanian air force helicopter during a casualty evacuation rehearsal at Romania’s Babadag Training Area, May 14. The Marines, in close partnership with Romania’s air and naval forces, tested their response time in transporting a casualty from the training area to a hospital in Constanta, Romania.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-14 12:35:00
Sgt. Chris Dare, a section leader with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, calls in a helicopter to Romania’s Babadag Training Area during a casualty evacuation rehearsal, May 14. About 100 Marines are currently deployed to the Black Sea Region as a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force, with the mission to promote regional security, build enduring partnerships and build the capacity of partner-nation forces.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-14 12:13:00
Marines with scout platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, load a simulated casualty into the back of an ambulance, May 14, during a casualty rehearsal exercise at Romania’s Babadag Training Area. The Marines and Sailors worked closely with Romanian air and naval forces to determine how quickly they could evacuate a casualty to an appropriate level of care. Scout platoon provides the ground combat element of a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force currently deployed to Romania in support of the Black Sea Rotational Force.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-09 22:09:00
Cpl. Nicholas Garner, a Motor Transportation mechanic with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, adjusts a voltage regulator on a humvee at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield motor pool, May 10. The humvee, along with several other tactical vehicles, were supplied to the battalion by Marine Corps Prepositioning Program Norway, and will be used to support the battalion’s military-to-military training and peacekeeping operations during Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-09 22:08:00
Cpl. Nicholas Garner, a Motor Transportation mechanic with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, adjusts a voltage regulator on a humvee at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield motor pool, May 10. The humvee, along with several other tactical vehicles, were supplied to the battalion by Marine Corps Prepositioning Program Norway, and will be used to support the battalion’s military-to-military training and peacekeeping operations during Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-09 22:05:00
Cpl. Marcus O’Hair, the fuel noncommissioned officer for Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, installs an ISO lock on the bed of a 7-ton truck at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield motor pool, May 10. The battalion is currently deployed as a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force, known as Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-09 22:02:00
Cpl. Marcus O’Hair, the fuel noncommissioned officer for Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, installs an ISO lock on the bed of a 7-ton truck at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield motor pool, May 10. The battalion is currently deployed as a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force, known as Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-09 22:01:00
Motor Transportation Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, performed preventive maintenance on the battalion’s tactical vehicles at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base motor pool May 10. The vehicles were provided by Marine Corps Prepositioning Norway, and will be used to support the battalion’s military-to-military training and peacekeeping operations during Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-09 22:01:00
Staff Sgt. Troy Ferderer (right), the Motor Transportation chief with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, talks with Cpl. Nicholas Garner, a Motor T mechanic, while performing preventive maintenance at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield motor pool May 10. The vehicles belong to Marine Corps Prepositioning Program Norway, and will be used to support the battalion’s military-to-military training and peacekeeping operations during Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-09 21:59:00
Staff Sgt. Troy Ferderer, the Motor Transportation chief with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, points out a problem with a humvee’s battery cable while performing preventive maintenance at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield motor pool May 10. The vehicles belong to Marine Corps Prepositioning Program Norway, and will be used to support the battalion’s military-to-military training and peacekeeping operations during Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-09 21:54:00
Cpl. Jorge Mawyincedo, a Motor Transportation operator with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, guides a 7-ton truck at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield motor pool, May 10. The battalion is currently deployed as a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force, known as Black Sea Rotational Force 2010.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-09 21:53:00
Marine Corps Prepositioning Program Norway provided the Marines and Sailors of 1st Tank Battalion an array of tactical vehicles to use while deployed as the first Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force, known as the Black Sea Rotational Force, in the Balkans, Caucasus and Black Sea regions. The Marines will in the regions to promote stability, build enduring partnerships and build the capacity of partner nation’s military forces from May 17 through the end of July.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-08 06:25:00
Cpl. Mitchell Staats, center, an infantry assaultman with 1st Tank Battalion’s scout platoon, carries his gear into the barracks at Romania’s Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, May 8. Marines from the scout platoon will train with partner nations in peacekeeping operations at training facilities in Romania and Bulgaria.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Staff Sgt. Christopher Flurry
Date: 2010-05-08 06:12:00
– The main body of U.S. Marines forming the Black Sea Rotational Force arrive aboard Romania’s Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, May 8. The Marines will form a Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force to train with partner nations in the Balkan, Black Sea and Caucasus regions. The Security Cooperation MAGTF is the first unit of its kind to deploy to the region.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-08 03:09:00
Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, practice setting up satellite communications equipment at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, Romania, May 8. The battalion is currently deployed with Black Sea Rotational Force 2010 to act as a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force throughout the Caucasus, Balkan and Black Sea regions.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-08 03:09:00
Lance Cpl. John Lamecker, a field radio operator with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, practices setting up satellite communications equipment at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, Romania, May 8. The battalion is currently deployed with Black Sea Rotational Force 2010 to act as a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force throughout the Caucasus, Balkan and Black Sea regions.

Unit: Black Sea Rotational Force
Byline: Cpl. R. Logan Kyle
Date: 2010-05-08 03:07:00
Lance Cpl. John Lamecker, a field radio operator with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Tank Battalion, practices setting up satellite communications equipment at Mihail Kogalniceanu Airfield, Romania, May 8. The battalion is currently deployed with Black Sea Rotational Force 2010 to act as a Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force throughout the Caucasus, Balkan and Black Sea regions.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-04-16 10:16:00
Personnel and family members with U.S. Marine Forces Europe and U.S. Marine Forces Africa pause during a guided discussion on a ridgeline overlooking the Soca Valley in Slovinia during a recent period of military education. During the two-day event, the group visited a local museum, and completed a walk along German Lt. Erwin Rommel’s famed attack route. The walk included a guided discussion along the 10-kilometer route, as well as a visit to an outdoor museum, where original Italian trenches and bunkers still exist.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-04-16 11:30:00
Personnel and family members with U.S. Marine Forces Europe and U.S. Marine Forces Africa pause during a guided discussion on a ridgeline overlooking the Soca Valley in Slovinia during a recent period of military education. During the two-day event, the group visited a local museum, and completed a walk along German Lt. Erwin Rommel’s famed attack route. The walk included a guided discussion along the 10-kilometer route, as well as a visit to an outdoor museum, where original Italian trenches and bunkers still exist.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: U.S. Marine Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-04-16 11:34:00
Personnel and family members with U.S. Marine Forces Europe and U.S. Marine Forces Africa pause during a guided discussion on a ridgeline overlooking the Soca Valley in Slovinia during a recent period of military education. During the two-day event, the group visited a local museum, and completed a walk along German Lt. Erwin Rommel’s famed attack route. The walk included a guided discussion along the 10-kilometer route, as well as a visit to an outdoor museum, where original Italian trenches and bunkers still exist.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Lydia M. Davey
Date: 2010-04-16 15:05:00
Crosses used to mark graves adorn a wall at the Kobariski Museum, which provides local history with an emphasis on the famed WWI Battle of Caporetto. Members of U.S. Marine Forces Europe and U.S. Marine Forces Africa recently traveled here for a period of instruction. During the two-day event, the group visited a local museum, and completed a walk along German Lt. Erwin Rommel’s famed attack route. The walk included a guided discussion along the 10-kilometer route, as well as a visit to an outdoor museum, where original Italian trenches and bunkers still exist.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Paul Cage
Date: 2010-04-27 14:12:00
Marine Staff Sgt. Corey Foster, assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST), Company Europe at Naval Station Rota signals for the next team of Marines to board a Spanish navy Augusta Bell 212 Helicopter to conduct Helicopter Rope Suspension Technique training during training in preparation for Exercise Phoenix Express 2010, April 27. The goals of the exercise are to increase participating countries knowledge base and experience level with FAST unit core capabilities and highlight common safety and security concerns in the maritime environment such as illegal immigration, criminal activity, narcotics trafficking, and weapons trafficking. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Cage/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Paul Cage
Date: 2010-04-27 14:11:00
A U.S. Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST), Company Europe at Naval Station Rota, Spain repels from a Spanish navy Augusta Bell 212 Helicopter during Helicopter Rope Suspension Technique training in preparation for Exercise Phoenix Express 2010, April 27. The goals of the exercise are to increase participating countries knowledge base and experience level with FAST unit core capabilities and highlight common safety and security concerns in the maritime environment such as illegal immigration, criminal activity, narcotics trafficking, and weapons trafficking. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Cage/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Paul Cage
Date: 2010-04-27 13:52:00
Marine Staff Sgt. Corey Foster assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST), Company Europe at Naval Station Rota ensures Moroccan Maritime Interdiction Operations team members are aboard a Spanish navy Augusta Bell 212 Helicopter to conduct Helicopter Rope Suspension Technique training in preparation for Exercise Phoenix Express 2010, April 27. The goals of the exercise are to increase participating countries knowledge base and experience level with FAST unit core capabilities and highlight common safety and security concerns in the maritime environment such as illegal immigration, criminal activity, narcotics trafficking, and weapons trafficking. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Cage/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Cage
Date: 2010-04-27 13:49:00
A U.S. Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST), Company Europe at Naval Station Rota, Spain wait with members of a Moroccan Maritime Interdiction Operations team to board a Spanish navy Augusta Bell 212 Helicopter before conducting Helicopter Rope Suspension Technique training in preparation for Exercise Phoenix Express 2010, April 27. The goals of the exercise are to increase participating countries knowledge base and experience level with FAST unit core capabilities and highlight common safety and security concerns in the maritime environment such as illegal immigration, criminal activity, narcotics trafficking, and weapons trafficking. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Cage/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-07 20:24:00
The Republic of Georgia honor guard delivers the 31st Light Infantry Battalion battle colors to the battalion commander during a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Georgian battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-07 20:16:00
A Republic of Georgia soldiers stands in formation during a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Republic of Georgia's 31st Light Infantry Battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-07 20:11:00
A Republic of Georgia soldier stands in formation during a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Republic of Georgia's 31st Light Infantry Battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-07 20:28:00
Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commander of Marine Corps Forces Command, delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Republic of Georgia's 31st Light Infantry Battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-07 20:07:00
Republic of Georgia soldiers stand in formation during a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Republic of Georgia's 31st Light Infantry Battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-07 20:41:00
Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commander of Marine Corps Forces Command, shakes the hand of a Republic of Georgia soldier during a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Republic of Georgia's 31st Light Infantry Battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-06 20:59:00
Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, commander of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa, discusses the Georgia Deployment Program training with the base commander during a visit to the Krtsanis Training Area (KTA). Marines with Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group (MCTAG) have been working with infantry battalions from the Republic of Georgia Armed Forces to train them for deployments to Afghanistan in support of International Security and Assistance Forces there. During his two-day visit, Brig. Gen. Brier also attended a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Georgian 31st Light Infantry Battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and MCTAG for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-06 17:20:00
Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commander of Marine Forces Command, meets with Georgian Chief of Defense Maj. Gen. Devi Tchonkotadze and other members of the Georgian Ministry of Defense. Marines with Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group (MCTAG) have been working with infantry battalions from the Republic of Georgia Armed Forces to train them for deployments to Afghanistan in support of International Security and Assistance Forces there. During his two-day visit, Lt. Gen. Natonski also provided a speech during a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Georgian 31st Light Infantry Battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and MCTAG for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-06 20:38:00
Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commander of Marine Forces Command, and members of the Georgian Ministry of Defense discuss a rock arrangement of a Marine Eagle Globe and Anchor made by Georgian soldiers during a visit to the Krtsanis Training Area (KTA). Marines with Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group (MCTAG) have been working with infantry battalions from the Republic of Georgia Armed Forces to train them for deployments to Afghanistan in support of International Security and Assistance Forces there. During his two-day visit, Lt. Gen. Natonski also provided a speech during a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Georgian 31st Light Infantry Battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and MCTAG for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-06 20:27:00
Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commander of Marine Forces Command,speaks to the commander of the Republic of Georgia's 32 Light Infantry Brigade during a visit to the Krtsanis Training Area (KTA). Marines with Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group (MCTAG) have been working with infantry battalions from the Republic of Georgia Armed Forces to train them for deployments to Afghanistan in support of International Security and Assistance Forces there. During his two-day visit, Lt. Gen. Natonski also provided a speech during a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Georgian 31st Light Infantry Battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and MCTAG for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team. The 32nd Battalion is now in the early stages of predployment training and is slated to replace the 32st Battalion in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-04-06 21:00:00
Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commander of Marine Forces Command, discusses the Georgia Deployment Program training during a visit to the Krtsanis Training Area (KTA). Marines with Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group (MCTAG) have been working with infantry battalions from the Republic of Georgia Armed Forces to train them for deployments to Afghanistan in support of International Security and Assistance Forces there. During his two-day visit, Lt. Gen. Natonski also provided a speech during a ceremony marking the historic deployment of the Georgian 31st Light Infantry Battalion to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan. The 31st Battalion has been training with Marines from Marine Forces Europe and MCTAG for the past six months as the first of four Georgian battalions participating in the Georgia Deployment Program. The deployment marks the first time a foreign military force will deploy as part of a Marine Regimental Combat Team.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana
Date: 2010-02-25 12:24:00
U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division receive ammunition before a simulated raid during exercise Cold Response (CR) 2010 Feb. 25, 2010, aboard the Dutch landing platform dock ship HNLMS Johan de Witt (L801) in Norway. CR 2010 is a Norwegian-sponsored exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana
Date: 2010-02-25 23:57:00
U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division conduct a simulated raid during exercise Cold Response (CR) 2010 Feb. 26, 2010, in Norway. CR 2010 is a Norwegian-sponsored exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana
Date: 2010-02-26 00:41:00
U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division conduct a simulated raid during exercise Cold Response (CR) 2010 Feb. 26, 2010, in Norway. CR 2010 is a Norwegian-sponsored exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana
Date: 2010-02-26 01:26:00
U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division provide fire support during exercise Cold Response (CR) 2010 Feb. 26, 2010, in Norway. CR 2010 is a Norwegian-sponsored exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana
Date: 2010-02-26 01:37:00
A U.S. Marine with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division works security during exercise Cold Response (CR) 2010 Feb. 26, 2010, in Norway. CR 2010 is a Norwegian-sponsored exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana
Date: 2010-02-26 02:16:00
U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division conduct a simulated raid during exercise Cold Response (CR) 2010 Feb. 26, 2010, in Norway. CR 2010 is a Norwegian-sponsored exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana
Date: 2010-02-22 09:05:00
British Royal Marine Commandos disembark from a utility landing craft and board the amphibious assault ship HMS Ocean (L12) after an Exercise Cold Response (CR) 2010 amphibious assault demonstration with U.S. Marines from 4th Recon Battalion and 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division Feb. 22, 2010, in Norway. CR 2010 is a Norwegian armed forces-sponsored multinational invitational exercise focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana/Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Offical Photo
Date: 2010-02-24 11:07:00
Maj. Gen. John W. Morgan III (left), U.S. European Command chief of staff, and Charlotte Haberaecker(right), chief operating officer for Global Impact, present Gunnery Sgt. Will Watts, Marine Forces Europe Combined Federal Campaign coordinator, with a plaque in recognition for the CFC contributions of the Marines, sailors, and civilian Marines of Marine Forces Europe. Marine Forces Europe raised more than $16,200 during the annual fund raising drive.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-02-26 16:48:00
Sgt. Johnathan Nelson (center) and Cpl. Shannon Leibach (right) join the Marines of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa during a unity walk in honor of African American Black History Month. The unity walk was a joint effort between U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command units at each barracks in the USAG Stuttgart garrison.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-02-26 16:44:00
Here is the cutline: Gunnery Sgt. Jason Rader (center) joins the Marines of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa during a unity walk in honor of African American Black History Month. The unity walk was a joint effort between U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command units at each barracks in the USAG Stuttgart garrison.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-02-26 16:50:00
The Marines of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa are joined by other residents of Panzer Kaserne during a unity walk in honor of African American Black History Month. The unity walk was a joint effort between U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command units at each barracks in the USAG Stuttgart garrison.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Official USMC photo by Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac
Date: 2010-02-22 00:00:00
Dutch sailors aboard the HMRS Johan De Witt spend several hours each day peeling fresh fruits and vegetables for consumption by the ship's crew.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Official USMC photo by Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac
Date: 2010-02-22 00:00:00
Marines with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, wait in line to receive food. Long chow lines are common as hundreds of British, American and Dutch service members gather at the ship's galley, the only placeo n ship serving hot food.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Official USMC photo by Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac
Date: 2010-02-22 00:00:00
Dutch Sailor Boyd Prins, a baker aboard the HRMS Johan De Witt, prepares fresh bread every day for consumption by the ship's crew. Bakeries are standard aboard Dutch Navy ships.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Official USMC photo by Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac
Date: 2010-02-22 00:00:00
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Durrell Rodriguez, a cook with Headquarters and Services Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, dishes out rice and curry sauce to a group of British Royal Marines.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Master Sgt. Michael Q. Retana
Date: 2010-02-23 00:00:00
Marines with Fox Company 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division participate in a Combat Lifesaver Refresher Course February 24, 2010 aboard the Dutch Hr Ms Johan De Witt, where Marines with 4th Recon Battalion and Fox Company 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division participate in exercise Cold Response 2010 (CR10). CR10 is a Norwegian sponsored, scheduled, and conducted multinational invitational exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners. This exercise, previously known as Battle Griffin, will occur entirely north of the Arctic Circle and will emphasize individual and unit cold weather capabilities.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Master Sgt Michael Q. Retana
Date: 2010-02-23 00:00:00
Lt. Colonel Anthony E. Lanza Battalion Commander for 2nd battalion 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division volunteers during a Combat Lifesaver Refresher Course February 24, 2010 aboard the Dutch Hr Ms Johan De Witt where he is administered fluids intravenously by one of his Marines while others observe during exercise Cold Response 2010 (CR10). CR10 is a Norwegian sponsored, scheduled, and conducted multinational invitational exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners. This exercise, previously known as Battle Griffin, will occur entirely north of the Arctic Circle and will emphasize individual and unit cold weather capabilities.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac
Date: 2010-03-04 00:00:00
Marines with 2nd Battalion, 25th Regiment open fire upon a mock enemy force during a training raid March 3, 2010. After nearly a month above the Arctic Circle, Marines with the battalion are on their way home from Norway after completing Exercise Cold Response 2010.

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Lance Cpl. John Lamb
Date: 2010-02-22 10:26:00
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Justino Vasquez, of H&S Company, 2d Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, teaches United Kingdom Royal Marines a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) technique, the basic wristlock takedown, during MCMAP training aboard the HMS Ocean during exercise Cold Response 2010. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John Lamb, MARFORRES COMCAM) (Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Reserve
Byline: Lance Cpl. John Lamb
Date: 2010-02-22 10:14:00
HMS OCEAN - United Kingdom Royal Army Capt. Tony J. Purvis performs a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) technique, the basic wristlock takedown, on United Kingdom Royal Marines Lance Cpl. Kyle Forbes during MCMAP training aboard the HMS Ocean during exercise Cold Response 2010. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John Lamb, MARFORRES COMCAM) (Released)

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-16 04:52:00
Marine Staff Sgt. Glen Silva (center), observer/controller from 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and Denver native, reiterates weapons safety rules to a Georgian soldier prior to a dismounted patrol training scenario. The patrolling scenario is one of the many parts of the initial stick training of the battalion’s mission rehearsal exercise, a two-week training evolution that will evaluate the Georgian’s combat readiness as they prepare for an upcoming deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-16 05:10:00
Marine Staff Sgt. Glen Silva (center), observer/controller from 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and Denver native, runs a group of Georgian soldiers through a pre-patrol question and answer session during a dismounted patrol training scenario. The patrolling scenario is one of the many parts of the initial stick training of the battalion’s mission rehearsal exercise, a two-week training evolution that will evaluate the Georgian’s combat readiness as they prepare for an upcoming deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-18 04:20:00
Georgian soldiers from the 31st Battalion look to Marine Capt. Mike Proctor (rear center), assault team leader with 5th ANGLICO and Vero Beach, Fla., native, and Lance Cpl. Arben Agushi (rear left), field radio operator with 5th ANGLICO and Madison, Wis., native, for information from the helicopter supporting a cordon and search training scenario. The cordon and search training is one of the many parts of the initial stick training of the battalion’s mission rehearsal exercise, a two-week training evolution that will evaluate the Georgian’s combat readiness as they prepare for an upcoming deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-18 04:16:00
Marine Capt. Mike Proctor (center), assault team leader with 5th ANGLICO and Vero Beach, Fla., native, and Lance Cpl. Arben Agushi (left), field radio operator with 5th ANGLICO and Madison, Wis., native, coordinate aerial coverage from a supporting helicopter while Georgian soldiers from the 31st Battalion establish security during a cordon and search training scenario. The cordon and search training is one of the many parts of the initial stick training of the battalion’s mission rehearsal exercise, a two-week training evolution that will evaluate the Georgian’s combat readiness as they prepare for an upcoming deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-18 04:47:00
Marine Capt. Tim D. Wright (center far rear), observer/controller from 2nd Tank Battalion and Pittsburgh native, listens in on a key leader engagement training opportunity where the Georgian commander of Charlie Co., 31st Battalion speaks to the village elder during a cordon and search training scenario. The cordon and search training is one of the many parts of the initial stick training of the battalion’s mission rehearsal exercise, a two-week training evolution that will evaluate the Georgian’s combat readiness as they prepare for an upcoming deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-18 05:58:00
A Marine observer/controler takes notes during a cordon and search training scenario. The cordon and search training is one of the many parts of the initial stick training of the battalion’s mission rehearsal exercise, a two-week training evolution that will evaluate the Georgian’s combat readiness as they prepare for an upcoming deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-18 04:22:00
Georgian soldiers from the 31st Battalion keep their eyes peeled for the high-value-target during a cordon and search training scenario. The cordon and search training is one of the many parts of the initial stick training of the battalion’s mission rehearsal exercise, a two-week training evolution that will evaluate the Georgian’s combat readiness as they prepare for an upcoming deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-18 04:39:00
The Georgian 31st Battalion, Charlie Company commander (left) assesses the situation on the ground while his personal security detachment and interpreter stay vigilant during a cordon and search training scenario. The cordon and search training is one of the many parts of the initial stick training of the battalion’s mission rehearsal exercise, a two-week training evolution that will evaluate the Georgian’s combat readiness as they prepare for an upcoming deployment in support of International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-10 03:07:00
Soldiers from the Republic of Georgia Army's 31st Light Infantry Battalion gather their gear after arriving at the Nrnberg International Airport here. The Georgian battalion will be participating in a two-week mission readiness exercise for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there. The exercise will take place at the Joint Multination Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany and feature multinational observer controllers and role players from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and Slovenian Army.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-10 03:11:00
Soldiers from the Republic of Georgia Army's 31st Light Infantry Battalion gather their gear after arriving at the Nrnberg International Airport here. The Georgian battalion will be participating in a two-week mission readiness exercise for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there. The exercise will take place at the Joint Multination Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany and feature multinational observer controllers and role players from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and Slovenian Army.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis
Date: 2010-01-10 03:17:00
Soldiers from the Republic of Georgia Army's 31st Light Infantry Battalion gather their gear after arriving at the Nrnberg International Airport here. The Georgian battalion will be participating in a two-week mission readiness exercise for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Forces there. The exercise will take place at the Joint Multination Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany and feature multinational observer controllers and role players from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and Slovenian Army.

Unit: Marine Forces Europe
Byline: Spc. Daevid Brown
Date: 2005-01-26 00:09:00
Connecting the cord, Gunnery Sgt. Nathan J. Guidry, 39, the Georgia Sustainment and Stability Operations Program, communications chief and a native of Houma, La., tries to get a local radio station while Georgian 22nd Light Infantry Battalion communications soldier, Jr. Sgt. Avto Gorbinishvili watches and learns, at Krtsanisi, Republic of Georgia. The GSSOP trained 22nd Light Infantry Battalion troops form part of the dedicated force called for in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1546 to protect U.N. forces serving in Iraq.